With the recent death of my mother-in-law, I'm on funeral leave on what is traditionally the biggest shopping weekend of the year. Now, my mother-in-law worked for a local department store for 25 years, so she was extremely familiar with the craziness of this annual ritual. If I didn't know any better, I would swear she planned her passing to give me the weekend off as her Christmas gift to me. Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate the gesture, but a gift card would have been fine.
This morning, while drinking my coffee and getting ready for the funeral in a few hours, I read through my Facebook posts. A writer I know in Texas posted that her husband is experiencing his first Black Friday in retail and wondered what the day will bring for him. She never shopped on Black Friday and a number of other friends echoed the same sentiments.
Well, allow me to educate you on the behavior of Americans on Black Friday. I have worked in retail for ten years at a major department store and three years at a local craft store. What I am about to share with you is from experience.
Shoppers act like the store is on fire.
They get mad because the item they came for has sold out.
They go ballistic because we ran out of shopping bags. Or gift boxes.
What? We don't gift wrap anymore?
Yes, I'll waive the shipping fee for you.
That item is on hold for another customer and no you can't have it.
No, we are not best friends and I won't risk my job to give you extra discounts. My real friends would never ask that of me.
Screaming at me will not get you better service.
Thirty-day return policy on Last Act items is store policy and I cannot waive that. If you think your gift recipient may want to return the gift, then don't shop Last Act. Or better, get a gift card.
Is destroying the whole store really necessary?
I am not your babysitter. Watch your own children.
The women's restrooms are in the juniors' department. Men's is downstairs in Levi's.
The shoe department and men's clothing are on the first floor.
No, I cannot give you an empty shopping bag because your paper bag from another store broke. Buy something here and I can give you a bag. (shoplifting red flag)
Today is Black Friday. There will be lines at every register. Deal with it.
I don't write store policy nor do I write the exclusions on the coupons. I just work here.
Turning yourself inside out being nice to the person behind you in line and then lashing out at me only reflects your hypocrisy, not my competence. Merry Christmas.
This is a short list, but hopefully you get the idea. Please be kind to the store clerks. Some are operating on a few hours of sleep and would rather be home than working today.
Merry Christmas and blessings to all!
Friday, November 29, 2019
Sunday, November 24, 2019
A Letter to My Husband's Mother
Dear Irene:
Today you passed this world to a better place. Your months of suffering are over. You have the peace you so desired your whole life. Your family weeps your passing, but we know you are in God's hands now.
Ten years and ten days after Jim's passing, we face yet another empty place at the dining room table. Some of my fondest memories are the amazing meals you would put together. For years I begged you for your chili recipe. I remember the puzzled look on your face, as if I was asking how to boil water. When I finally found a recipe I was willing to swear was your recipe, you gave me a sly smile and told me, "I don't put ketchup in my chili."
Your deep love for your family was evident in everything you did. Preparing great meals was just part of the job. You sewed, quilted, cleaned, read bedtime stories, and refereed fights. You chauffeured, mopped runny noses, met with teachers, and greeted new boyfriends and girlfriends. You oversaw the care of your own mother-in-law and worked hard to ensure her last years were comfortable. You even fished a snake out of Jack's sleeping bag when he returned from a Boy Scout camping trip.
Thank you for giving me your son. In doing so, we gave you two grandchildren to add to your growing family. We love you and will miss you terribly. Sleep well, dear lady.
Much love,
Elizabeth
your daughter-in-law
Today you passed this world to a better place. Your months of suffering are over. You have the peace you so desired your whole life. Your family weeps your passing, but we know you are in God's hands now.
Ten years and ten days after Jim's passing, we face yet another empty place at the dining room table. Some of my fondest memories are the amazing meals you would put together. For years I begged you for your chili recipe. I remember the puzzled look on your face, as if I was asking how to boil water. When I finally found a recipe I was willing to swear was your recipe, you gave me a sly smile and told me, "I don't put ketchup in my chili."
Your deep love for your family was evident in everything you did. Preparing great meals was just part of the job. You sewed, quilted, cleaned, read bedtime stories, and refereed fights. You chauffeured, mopped runny noses, met with teachers, and greeted new boyfriends and girlfriends. You oversaw the care of your own mother-in-law and worked hard to ensure her last years were comfortable. You even fished a snake out of Jack's sleeping bag when he returned from a Boy Scout camping trip.
Thank you for giving me your son. In doing so, we gave you two grandchildren to add to your growing family. We love you and will miss you terribly. Sleep well, dear lady.
Much love,
Elizabeth
your daughter-in-law
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