Best COSTCO Lunch Yet
So I decided to run to COSTCO on a Saturday. Let me rephrase that, I decided to run to COSTCO Saturday… along with everyone else in southern Denver. Hubby works most Saturdays so it was just me and the boys. After dodging around sample tables and waiting in line, we made it through the checkout with our half dozen items and decided to grab a dog. Polish Sausage, that is. Again, maybe not the smartest idea alone with Super Big Helper Bubba and Mr. Grabby Hands Zeke, but we were hungry and I’m a huge hot dog fan.
Cart, two polish sausages, drink cups, and toddlers in hand, I tried to scope out a place to eat. The eating area was an explosion of abandoned, but full, shopping carts and packed tables. Then I saw them. Two little old ladies complete with winter bonnets sitting across from each other at a table for four. Why not, I thought. Ignoring the sideways glances I received from other tables, I leaned across a cart to the first grandmother. ”Excuse me…” I said. ”EXCUSE me,” this time a little louder as they both most of have been in their seventies. The sweetest blue eyes looked up and smiled as I asked if we could join them for lunch. “Of course!” they beamed and began clearing the table for us.
Bubba took a seat next to one grandma and I grabbed Zeke to dress the dogs. ”I’ll be right back, bud,” I said and watched from a few yards away as both grandmas cooed over Bubba, entertaining him as if he were there own. I returned just in time to see them completely captivated by Bubba’s explanation of his love for hot dogs. Throughout the next twenty minutes, we enjoyed our lunch with these sweet women. Their hands visibly shook and we had to repeat ourselves a couple times so they could hear, but it was worth the help I received juggling lunch with two little guys. They gave Bubba napkins and showered him with compliments. I forgot about what time it was and delighted as these two sisters (of four children I came to find out) told stories of raising their own children.
Later on the drive home, I couldn’t help but grin. Sometimes with my busy schedule, I forget to take time to enjoy my day. I also think that grandmas and grandpas can easily be swept aside in our rush because they don’t hear as well or march at our pace. I want my boys to see wisdom can be gained from even a minute or two with our elders. Sure, I’ve experienced a cranky old person or two, but for the most part, by taking time to say hello or ask about the weather, it’s amazing how quickly someone that is overlooked will open up. I could have walked right by those little angels at COSTCO, but something told me they were going to make my day. I think from now on instead of looking for open tables, the boys and I are going to see with whom we can share our lunch.
© 2009, FROM MILITARY TO MOM. All rights reserved.
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Amen! I am an official stalker…er…follower of your blog. Sean coerced me into starting one of my own so I figured I should make myself a regular reader of your insights while I’m at it
Love you guys!
This was such a sweet story! It brought tears to my eyes!
Thanks for the reminder that life really is all about relationships. 
What a great story!