It wasn’t about the lettuce.
It started out like any other day. I worked in a small National Tea Grocery store. It was Friday and the store was pretty full. The time would go pretty fast and I was okay with that.
Once in a while, there would be a “price check,” otherwise it was business as usual.
Or so I thought.
I remember ringing up her head of lettuce.
My fingers hit the keys, 49 cents. The days before scanners.
“That was 39 cents.” she snapped.
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“You charged me 49 cents for the lettuce. It’s on sale for 39 cents.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I quickly said. I’ll take the 10 cents off right now.
“You’re sorry? YOU’RE SORRY? This isn’t the first time you’ve overcharged me. Every time I come in your line you overcharge me.”
By then I could feel my face getting warm. My apology had fallen on deaf ears. And not only that, now my mistake was being labeled deliberate. Something I did on a regular basis.
But she wasn’t done yet. Not yet.
“Maam, if I always overcharge you,” I said quietly, “why do you come in my line?”
Okay, I’ll admit, I didn’t have to ask. But there was a part of me that wanted to defend myself. I didn’t overcharge her or anyone else. I didn’t want mud on my reputation.
“Why do I come in your line? Why do I come in YOUR LINE? Do you think I come in your line because I LIKE you?”
Clearly, that had not crossed my mind.
“I come in YOUR line because it’s the closest one to the door! Listen, why don’t you go back to Greece, or Italy, or WHEREVER you’re from.”
And there it was. She did hate me. It had nothing to do with lettuce. It was a personal preference. I was the wrong person.
My face reddened and I felt like she had stomped all over me.
“Richard!” I yelled, as my voice crackled.
I didn’t have to recount the situation to the assistant manager. He had heard it. In fact, everyone in the store had heard. But to be certain she once again repeated it verbatim as her anger seethed through her teeth.
Richard listened as good managers do and finally answered.
“Maam, she’s already apologized to you. She refunded the ten cents. I’m sorry, but that doesn’t give you the right to talk to one of my girls that way.
He stood up for me. She tried taking my dignity and he gave it back.
I never recall seeing her again. But sometimes, when I see a head of lettuce…
Kath,
I have to admit when it happened I didn’t expect it being just a young girl. Naive I guess. But, I saw it as an isolated incident. Most of the customers liked me. This memory doesn’t hurt. It’s just one that popped in my head the other day.
Anne this story was wound tight and had me seething, so well written it sizzled off the page. Thanks for sharing a memory, even though it was not a good one you really set the mood.
WoW! What a story! But what I love most is how your manager covered the indignant moment with grace and setting a healthy boundary. Your response too was one of grace. Not many people would be able to keep their cool. There is power in having one’s dignity restored. It just reminds me of the grace of God, who stood for us even when we mocked Him, spat at Him, denied Him, called Him a liar, and refused to believe – still He covered us with grace and chose to love us more ardently. Thanks for this post!
Thanks so much for reading my post, and for your comments. I love being reminded of God’s grace. You’re right. He did stand for us even when he was mocked, spit on, denied, and called a liar. His love was amazing. And He displayed that even though he knew some would never believe.
I’m so proud he stood up for you. You deserve every bit of dignity the world can give.
Katy,
Thanks for reading and for your comment. The truth is, every person is valuable. Everyone deserves dignity.
Felt the pain right with you! The anger, frustration, hurt. Every time you see a head of lettuce. Maybe it really is about the lettuce. Maybe it’s time to let the little, leafy, green stuff free. Poor lettuce. On the other hand, your ability to take the lettuce and make a strong, clear life-lesson out of it is priceless. You help me see God’s presence in all the supposedly little moments of life. Thanks!
Brad,
Actually, I just wanted to end it like that. I’m really okay with lettuce. I must have forgiven her a long time ago. Maybe when I realized hurting people hurt people.
The memory just popped into my head yesterday as I was asking what I could write about that others might relate to.
Thanks for reading Brad, and for your comments.
Wow Anne! That reminds me of how Jesus comes and defends us. Glad you had support from your manager. It took me back to some of my experiences as a cashier.
Tammy,
Yes. Jesus, the true defender. He still makes intercession for us with the words, “Father, she believes in me.” Thanks for reading Tammy and for taking time to comment.
Nice one, Anne. The past weekend my son bought milk for their boat and the checking lady rang up 16 000 euro’s. My son was amused while she yelled at her son, who did the pricing. People like the one you describe are luckily few and far between.
Patricia,
That story flew into my head yesterday and I enjoyed sharing it. I know I have so many I want to share. Thanks for reading it and for your comment.
I nearly forgot to mention, I just started reading this blog, but I really love it. Your stories are always beautifully told.
Anna,
What a nice thing to say about my blogs. Thank you so much.