#17 - Don't Like Asking Favors

CVS Errands

I've never liked needing help, even when I was a child. I especially don't like asking for help. But today I did even more than that. I asked a favor of someone I don't even know. In the pharmacy department. 

So many people have offered help in the last 2 weeks, since Don's surgery. But now that I can leave him home alone, I don't mind dashing to the store. Plus, I feel like he's shopping with me, since I do a lot of communicating with my phone. Even though I have lists, I always end up texting photos and questions. "Which juice looks better?" "Which cough medicine do you want?"  

New Friend, Kanell  (hope that spelling is right)

Today, I had a fun encounter with a friendly guy who works in the pharmacy. I think his name is Kanell. He spotted me, juggling an armload of goods and insisted, "You need a cart!" Then he dashed to the front of the store and returned with one. He swiped over the handle with a sanitized wipe and asked, "Can I help you with anything else?" 

I almost answered with my usual, "No, but thanks for asking."  But, suddenly a lightbulb went off in my head.  I grinned big, through my mask and spoke! "As a matter of fact..."

I told Kanell that I had a very silly favor to ask. I pointed to the greeting card aisle and explained, "Tomorrow's my anniversary and my husband just had bypass surgery. My husband feels awful that he doesn't have a card for me. He told me I should close my eyes and pick one, for him to give me. But I thought maybe you..."  

My new friend's eyebrows lifted and I could hear him laugh, behind his mask. I encouraged quickly, "Don't even look to see what's on the front, or the inside. Just reach and grab and turn it around so I can't see it!"  

Our voices were muffled and our expressions were partially hidden, but we  communicated just fine. He handed over the card with a chuckle and wished me a Happy Anniversary. I thanked him for being my assistant and then made one more request. "Would it be okay if I took your picture, so my husband will know who picked out this card?" 

Kanell humored me with a photo and I thanked him for playing along. I heard him a moment later, laughing with staff behind the pharmacy counter. I left the store in happy spirits. Family and friends have been so supportive in past weeks, but sometimes the kindness of a stranger, offers a special kind of lift!
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