Dear Editor:
I know we have heard these words more than once, but we need to be kinder and dig deeper. We are hard-wired to do this, just look back through history.
The other day, my teenager went to work at his part-time job as a grocery store clerk, which helps to pay his own way through university. He is a dependable employee, working there for three years, which is a long time in the eyes of a teen.
He has a good heart, a healthy sense of right and wrong, and, bless him, avoids conflict situations at all costs.
Through the pandemic, he has dealt with hoarders, people not wearing masks, angry people, sad people, shoplifting, violent people, and almost everything in between. This in the face of his own world being turned upside down by the pandemic.
He always takes the time to chat with the families that come through – spreading a smile across many faces in what is a very difficult time for everyone. He has his regulars, who seek out his lineup just to say hi.
The other day, another young cashier made a mistake when processing an order. They called him over to help. He jumped in and promptly went to refund the item and refund them the difference to the correct item (a difference of a few cents). The customer decided this was not good enough and demanded the item now be free, for the inconvenience.
He politely informed them this was not usually done. They then asked to speak to the manager. They became quite belligerent.
My teen is not perfect. He muttered under his breath about how this just made this situation that could be fixed, a whole lot more difficult than it needed to be. He should not have done that, but you, as a customer did not need to tear a strip off him with your yelling and threat to go to the head office.
What you did not see is that this conflict reduced him to a rubble in the break room. Did this make you feel better?
It was devastating for him. He is young, hard working, and a good citizen. I wish more people were like him.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this is that everyone has their story, don’t pretend to know it, and treat everyone with kindness.
To all the front-line, essential service workers, you have my deepest thanks for what you do, day after long day.
We, as citizens, need to be kinder and dig deeper. We can get through this together.
Next time you see a name tag on an employee who is serving you in whatever way, greet them by name. You would be surprised the difference this little gesture can make.
Let us make this pandemic have a silver lining.
Make kindness a core value.
Jennifer Knibbs
North Vancouver
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