A Touching Moment at CVS

I was in the CVS near my office a few days, popping in to buy something for an officemate.

I was buying only one item so I stood in the self-checkout line.

But then the regular line opened up.  A young African American woman behind the cash register waved for me to come on over to her register so I did.

As she scanned my CVS discount card and my purchase, her eyes looked at the pearl necklace I had on.  Since her hands were full, she tilted her head in my direction.

“I like your pearl necklace.”

“Thank you!  I found it at a fair that a local church was having.”

“It reminds me of my mother.  She passed four months ago and she loved pearls.”  Then she put down the scanner and gently touched her ears, pointing out the pierced pearl earrings she was wearing.  I knew exactly what she meant for we all have special things that we keep because they remind us of someone we cared for deeply or someone we miss more than we can express.

“My Mom gave these to me and now I see your necklace and I’m thinking of her.”

“Ohhhhh,” I said.  “I am so sorry.”

Her eyes started to tear up and then she added, “Yes.  I miss her a lot.”

My eyes were getting teary too.  I wanted to talk more to her but now others were waiting.

I looked directly at her and said, “I know she is with you.”

“Thank you,” she said quietly wiping her face.

We looked at each other and then I had to leave her line.

It only takes a minute, I thought to myself, not much time at all, to share in another person’s journey.

All I have to do is stop and make time to listen.

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