“A friend is born for adversity." ~ Proverbs 17:17
For Gary, shopping during the
pandemic felt like an ethical dilemma.
When it came to online shopping, convenience and wide product variety
clearly stood out.
Still, Gary tended to favor in-store spending experiences. Friendly, well-informed sales associates,
combined with an up-close look at products, created a more personal shopping
encounter. He was willing to forego
convenience and savings in exchange for supporting his local community … and a
little less social isolation.
And so it was that Gary found himself shopping for a few
items at the local hardware store last summer.
A former Marine who lost both legs above the knee after stepping on a
landmine in Vietnam 40 years ago, Gary wobbled down the aisle in a decrepit
wheelchair ready for surrender. He’d
requested a replacement from the VA more than two years prior.
In the lawn-supplies aisle, a bolt on the chair’s right
wheel snapped sending Gary tumbling.
Before he could panic, a red-vested employee named “Joseph”
came to the rescue helping Gary into a nearby patio chair. He then assembled a team of helpers who
immediately started working on the wheelchair like a well-oiled pit crew.
They ask no questions, didn’t feel the need to fill out any
forms or phone the boss for permission.
Someone needed help, and they seemed privileged to be given the opportunity
– clearly different from his disappointing VA misfortune.
Gary and his wife returned the following day with cookies
and a framed photo of the ‘wheelchair repairmen’ as a sign of thanks for their
kindness. They blushed at the notoriety.
The VA took notice after the ‘rescue’ made the local
news. He received a new chair with an
apology for it’s unfortunate delay. “I
guess I better order a new one right away!” Gary chuckled. Then he added, “Isn’t it a little sad that
events like this become newsworthy just become someone was nice?”
Hundreds of strangers had already offered to buy Gary a new
wheelchair. He asked that instead they
contribute to a nonprofit foundation helping other wounded vets.
Compassion for others' need lies at the heart of happiness
and thriving societies. The very act is
reward enough; being there for others means they’re more likely to be pay it
forward too.
Note the not-so-subtle hint to Shop
Local/Shop Small. By supporting
local economies and smaller businesses, we help build more vibrant and unified communities
(neighbors in need also). When buying
from business owners you trust, shopping seems more enjoyable because you know
where the products originate and the neighbors behind them.
