I treat everyone how I want to be treated.  Recently the pharmacist at the pharmacy I use took the time to thank me for Ron and mine patience and joyful demeanor when we came to pick up our medications or when we decided to wait for them.  He said so many people get irritated that we can’t instantly do what they want but you make us smile and tell us it is OK, as you know we are working as hard as we can.   I thanked him but replied I know how hard their job is because from the minute they open the pharmacy until they leave people want something and they want it right now.  

Ron and I went in last monday morning and Ron got two vaccines and I got four.   We joked around with the staff and waited happily as they got all the required things done on their computers.   They were busy and I asked if it would be better if we came back another time.  The pharmacist said no, they were busy but we were willing to give them the time needed and they appreciated that.  Ron and I don’t even need to give our names when we go to get our medications as they know us.  They seem to think that Ron and I are treating them with respect and understanding is a gift when we think it is just simple respect.    

It is how I deal with everyone I deal with.   I respect everyone until they show me they don’t deserve my respect.  Clerks, people behind desks, and others that help you in stores all deserve respect.  Again I hope I will be treated as I treat others.   When out in the public most people hide their pain, I know I do.   Some people can sense when I struggle. 

  Recently at the nearby Publix grocery store where we get three cases of 2 litter sodas a week, after they were brought to me in a cart the young man noticed my cane.  He offered to go out to the car and load them for me.  I said it was OK; I was slow and did not want to take up his time.   Then he said something I remember.   He said I have seen you struggle to lift stuff, I really don’t mind doing it.  He then pushed my cart to my car and loaded all of them in the trunk.  He asked how I would get them into the house and I said I break them out into two sodas in a reusable grocery bag.   He offered to do it for me as the bags were right there.   Really nice person.  It saved me a lot of effort and pain.  I did feel a bit guilty for taking this young person’s time and the effort he was making on my behalf but to tell the truth those cases are really heavy for me and it hurts when I lift them.  Hugs