I thank DU because I feel so much more informed. Also over the past years, I've read about "grocery store moments" and I've often been skeptical of some of what I have read. This is my moment.

I went to the store very early this morning to beat the 105 degree forcasted high for today here in Tulsa. As I was checking out at my favorite checkers lane, I overheard him visiting with an older woman, and then a smallish man who I soon realized was her husband. They were buying large amounts of meat and vegetables. I heard the checker say, " I know you must be worried". Then the conversation turned to tabouli recipes. So, I butted in and said, "Do you own a restaurant?" She said yes Cedars.

My mind says.. Cedars. Worried. They are Lebanese!

I paid for my groceries and my once weekly flower bouquet. I buy one per week because it is my gift I give myself. They make me happy.

I kept thinking to myself that I wished I had offered my best wishes to the couple. I feared bothering them.

As I went out to load my van, their car was parked in the front. The woman was sitting in the passenger seat, but her husband was still in the store. I went up to her car, motioned for her to roll down her window. I said, " Are you from Lebanon?" She said yes. I said that I offered my best wishes and that I would be thinking of her and her family. I gave her my flowers.
She got tears in her eyes and said, "My brother's funeral is today in Lebanon. He died of natural causes, but I can't go. She smiled and thanked me for the flowers.

I went on to my van. I saw in the corner of my eye the husband walking toward me. I stopped and he grabbed my hands and said, "We need more people like you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. She is having a hard time." Then he hugged me. A big long open hug out in the parking lot. I've never had such an experience with a hug. He was the same height as me, so it was a very comfortable feeling and I could just feel the warmth. I got tears and he got tears, and then we went on our separate ways.

So, here I am on DU telling my grocery store moment.