Thoughts from Chief Sjolander…
Ground beef… $8.79
Standing in line at the grocery store, the person in front of me checking out says “You might want to pick another lane, I’m counting out change”. I say, “No worries, I’ve got time”, and they continue…
I’m watching them, because that’s what I do. I watch people, all the time. I see they are wearing a work shirt and I’m wondering if they are paying for their stuff with tip money, or maybe they just cleaned out their car, purse, etc., I’ll never know.
I watch their eyes dart back and forth from the cashier, their change, and me. I watch their jaw clench, and release. I tell them to put their change away, and their purchase is on me. They thank me and leave.
I didn’t look at what they had in their bag, and it doesn’t matter, because I’ve been there. I’ve paid for food, gas, etc. with change because I was struggling and it’s all I had. I remember the looks, the rolling eyes, and the toe tapping of those behind me who must have been in a hurry.
Now I’m not saying that paying with change is a sign of struggling, but it could be, and lots of people have helped me out, so I pay it forward when I can.
I got home, unloaded my bags, and see the receipt in the bottom. I look at it, and see they purchased ground beef… for $8.79.
I hope the ground beef goes a long way in filling some tummies and making some good memories.
I’m not sharing this for any pats on the back. I’m sharing this as a reminder for the next time you’re standing in line and the person in front of you is paying with change. Don’t roll your eyes, don’t toe tap, and don’t leave in a huff. Maybe share a smile, and offer to help if you can. After all, that’s what we are all here for.
Stay safe,
Lee
This post was originally published on June 19, 2016 on Kenyon Police Department’s Facebook page.
