JOYFUL PIECE #28

The unexpected sometimes brings good outcomes.

About 3 years ago, after making it through an icy winter storm, there was a break in the weather, and Central Texans hurried to buy groceries ahead of the next winter storm. Hundreds of people were shopping at a grocery store when in mid-afternoon the power went out. Enough light came through the grocery store windows for the shoppers to continue their anxious activities, needing food and supplies.

Everyone was surprised when grocery store employees started herding shoppers towards the checkout area. The checkout area was crowded with people trying to pay for their groceries. After a wait of some minutes, the employees advised the shoppers that the cash registers would not work without power. The shoppers were asked to leave any alcohol items behind, and to exit the store without paying for their other groceries in their carts, adding, “Just go ahead and be safe driving home.”

All shoppers, with carts full of goods and smiley faces, headed to their cars while being greeted by cheerful grocery store employees. You can get further details on this wonderful day at this link.

Despite all the divisive speech that we run into in this state, when the rubber of need met the road of generosity, H-E-B* came through, giving shoppers a break. H-E-B is one of the largest supermarket chains in the country and has a tradition of charitable giving.

Even as we are often aghast at the deeds and misdeeds of Texas politics in these divisive times, it is joyful to recall that it is not all bad news.

The generosity of true Texans saved that day. We can look out for each other in times of crisis and need and build a better Texas.

How about that!

* I have no financial interest in this firm, I just buy groceries there.

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