Some days it is enough to be thankful for little smiles. Today I am thankful for all the people who gave me a smile and a reason to smile.
Early this morning I made the run to the drugstore. It is a twice a month ritual, at least most months. Apparently, this month it is going to require three trips. I only got a partial prescription this morning. You know, it seems that they could have called and said that they would not be able to fill the total month’s supply until tomorrow. It kind of makes me wonder why they always need a phone number if they aren’t going to use it. But, I suppose the pharmacy’s business is filling prescriptions, not showing that extra courtesy that would save the rest of us time and gas.
It was early when I arrived at the drugstore. And, it seems even if you are first in line, there is a requirement that one wait for at least 30 minutes. That theory seems to be designed to make us thankful that they fill the prescription at all. Well, I couldn’t be thankful for that today. My plate is full and wasting an hour and a half to pick up a two day supply of pills just didn’t feel all that rewarding.
There was no need to lambast the clerk for the deficiency. She didn’t fill the prescription and the truth is she probably has her own set of problems. No need to ruin her day.
A young lady and a rather fidgety young boy were standing to the side of the counter waiting for a prescription. As I took the bagged drugs from the clerk I did force a smile and said “thank you.” I tried to sound sincere but even the small boy seemed to notice that my thanks was far from real.
I smiled at him and he gave me a real big genuine smile. His mother said, “Same thing happened to me yesterday. That’s why I’m back today.”
I was about to shake my head when the young boy looked up at the two impatient adults and said, “Yesterday you said we should be glad we got enough to get us back to here today.”
Oh, I swear. Out of the mouths of babes…. The youngster gave me a big smile… a real big one… and I realized that this morning the child had a far better perspective on life than I did. Nothing like getting put in your place by a first grader.
So, today I am thankful for the child with the big smile and the good attitude. (I’m still not thankful that the pharmacy didn’t ring me up.)
