Sighs and Hallelujahs Stories and thoughts about the adventures of life without arms

A Warm Welcome Home

(Okay, I know everyone is awaiting some Italy photos.  I have almost 2,000 of them to sort through, though.  I downloaded them all to my computer today and will pick a few favorites within the next couple days and will post them.  Until then, you just get a short, completely unrelated post!)

Today was my first full day back from Italy.  After waking up uncharacteristically early due to the time change, I set out to unpack, do laundry, clean the house, get groceries, etc.  All that unglamorous stuff that you tend to forget about when you're on vacation!

Late in the day I ventured out to an appointment, headed to the bank and stopped to get groceries.  Unlike my normal route that takes me to the Queen Anne Trader Joe's, this evening's path had me headed to their Lynnwood location.  After shopping and noticing the various very friendly people that kept offering to help me retrieve items from the shelves, I headed to check out.

After a brief, but fun conversation about Italy with the girl working at TJ's, she loaded my bags of groceries into my cart, said goodbye and then turned to help the next person in line.  I headed to my car and began unloading.

To my surprise - just as I had placed the large container laundry detergent in my trunk - the same girl came running out to the car, grabbed a bag of groceries and said, "I wanted to come help, just because."  She loaded the last couple bags, grabbed the cart, smiled at me graciously and ran back toward the store.

Let me just say to those of you who aren't sure quite what to do when encountered with the opportunity to help someone like me - "I wanted to come help, just because," is one of the best, most kind things you can offer. I was touched by her ability to help me without making me feeling incapable. And, it was a most spectacular welcome home.

Once again, well done Trader Joe's!