Patricia

I moved to a new neighborhood about three years ago and, out of convenience, started going to the nearest grocery store (Safeway). I try to patronize small mom-and-pop type stores, but unfortunately, those stores are fast vanishing from big cities. Three years ago, my first customer service representative on the counter was Patricia (as her name badge says). Her manners, smiles, welcomes, greetings, thank-yous, patience with annoying customers, and goodbyes are so infectious that now I wait in line to go to her counter. This weekend, as expected, the store was crowded. I realized I am one of many faithful customers. Five people were ahead of me, waiting for Patricia to check them out despite two relatively shorter lines. 

Patricia may be working at minimal wage, may not have a fancy college degree, and may have bad days. I am sure she has life issues with family, health, kids, car, etc. But she puts everything on the side as she works and smiles and radiates positive energy all around. 

 It says where the core of human bonding lies and how little money we need to make this world a better place.

*