THE ELECTRIC CART

So, I arrived in Baltimore on Saturday afternoon via flight.  I was extremely anxious about traveling with four bags and a cane.  Asking for help is something I don't do easily, but something I know I need to learn...now is the time.  

When going through treatment for Breast Cancer, grocery shopping was one of the most difficult tasks on my list.  I would walk slowly through the store hanging on to a cart for dear life.  When we would get ready to check out, I would be exhausted even though we kept our lists short and simple.  Michael, who would always pick up half the list separately, would meet me at the register saying, "Dear, you go sit down.  I'll check us out."  Exhausted, I would find a bench to rest on until he came by with our bagged groceries.

Once my stamina began to return, this task became a bit easier, but the cartilage in my knee was continuing to disintegrate.  I was always a bit prideful about using an electric cart at the grocery store, but at the end of the summer I was struggling to walk into the grocery store, leaning heavily on my cane.  A storm was coming in that day and my arthritis was causing immense pain.  As I approached the door, a lady drove up in one of the electric carts.

"Ma'am, would you like this cart?" she asked kindly.  "I'm just returning it for another customer and you look like you could use it." 

"Oh, no thank you."  I said.  "I've never used one before and wouldn't know how to begin to use one."

"Here," she said, getting off the cart, "let me show you how, it is very easy."

I paid attention to her instructions and gave in to using the cart.   I zipped slowly around the store and finished my shopping in record time.   As we met at the register, I was amazed that I still felt like I had some energy.  I might not have to go home and have a 2-hour nap today!  What a blessing, I thought.  What a great thing for anyone who needs a little help in our world!!

A week later, I was at another larger supermarket to pick up some cookie trays for a party at church.  I looked at some electric carts by the door and was disappointed to see that all of them were being charged.  I walked to the other side of the store to another entrance and there a nice employee helped me find an electric cart I could use.  I found trays of cookies that would work but fretted over how I would get them to my car with my purse in one hand and my cane in the other.  The cart said, "in store use only" so I thought I shouldn't use it to take my cookies to the car.  But after checking out I decided I could take them out in the cart, bring the cart back in, and then use my cane to go back to the cart--tedious, but doable.  
As I pulled up to my car, I realized a young man was following me and standing quietly by my car.

"Are you here for this cart?"  I asked him.
"Yes ma'am, my name is Joe"  he said.  He was obviously a bit mentally impaired, but enthusiasm emanated from his smile.
I looked into his eyes, "Joe, you are a lifesaver!" I said appreciatively.
"I can put those trays into your car," he offered.
"That would be awesome!" I said, moving the cart backward.
"These look like some good cookies!" he commented as he laid the trays on my back seat.
"Yes they do!  They are for a party we are having at church on Sunday," I explained.
"I bet you said to yourself, 'I'm gonna just go check out Meijers and see what cookies they have for yourself' didn't you?"  He was warming up to our conversation quickly.  
Since teaching students with special needs for 16 years, I really appreciated not only Joe's willingness to help, but his beautiful spirit and communication.
"Absolutely!"  I agreed, "that is exactly what I thought!"

I left the parking lot of the store feeling reassured that there are people willing to help those who struggle with mobility so as I prepared to fly to Baltimore, I called the airline and requested assistance getting to and from my gates.  They were happy to arrange for wheelchair assistance.  Because of this, I was able to arrive in Baltimore rested and not requiring a long rest to regenerate myself.  I am so thankful for the lady who recognized my need for the electric cart and for Joe--two people who helped this prideful person to set aside some of her pride and learn to start asking for help.