So, what began as a quick trip to the grocery store ended differently than expected. As long as I've got plenty of time, going to the grocery has long been one of my "feel goods." I wanted to go for just a few items, but truly, I know how that usually ends...with an over flowing cart. Anyhow, after filling in the seat compartment of my cart with various fruits and deli items, I came across a good deal on cases of water. As I was loading in the second case under my cart, I naturally began conversing with another woman doing the same. That's how it works for me at the grocery which is why I enjoy shopping. Most times I bump into one or two folks that I know, and if I'm really lucky, I may hear in a shocked six year old voice, "Mrs. Liberati, what are you doing here? I didn't know you lived here, too." It never grows old to hear the amazement in their voices when seeing me in a public establishment. You see, it's often assumed that I live in my classroom at school...so to find out that I have not one, but two homes...speechless! I went about my merry way and found that it was one good deal after another during this particular spree...which brought me, next, to the soda aisle. I had a coupon for a FREE six pack of Coke products. It turns out that Coke has made a brand new skinny case of six cans...very clever for a give-a-way. While gazing, it was time to start talking to another woman also perusing for her selection. It's amazing how easy it is to talk with someone when the items are not just on sale...but free! We started exchanging who drinks what in our households, and it was so easy to talk with her, I just about invited her to dinner! Luckily, I stopped myself...but she was awfully nice. I told her that I was looking for Diet Coke, not Coke Zero since I already had much of it at home. Not finding any, I took the latter choice and went on in search of the next good deal. Well don't you know, that same woman found me a few aisles over, and in her hands was a six pack of Diet Coke. She said I had missed the display so she grabbed one herself and went looking for me. Wow! Isn't that nice? I thanked her profusely as I tucked it on top of the water cases...under my cart. Her good samaritan actions didn't stop there, though. She then offered to take back the Coke Zero to the shelf.

I was feeling on top of the world and rather giddy about her kindness, and I didn't have much shopping left at this point. All I had to do was pick out a couple of birthday cards...what could possible happen...and why would I think something would happen? As usual, I got engrossed in the cards...had to find just the right one...and wasn't paying attention to my surroundings. Once I had them picked out, I headed toward the checkout. When I bent down to get my waters and Diet Coke...I HAD BEEN ROBBED! One of my cases of water AND my Diet Coke were GONE!

At first I thought I had the wrong cart. Realizing that it was indeed mine...minus my water and Diet Coke...I pulled out of line. I don't know what kind of state I went into...some kind of silver induced possibly...but I just mumbled something to the person behind me incoherently that I had lost something. What does one say when they've been robbed of something they hadn't even yet purchased. Was it mine? Well, yea, kind of...but I didn't own it.

I know that what was taken was SO LITTLE in comparison to what could have happened, but I was rattled! I couldn't even find the soda aisle to replenish my stolen goods...and I'm the queen of the grocery!

When I finally got safely checked out and into my car, I was able to think clearly about what happened. You know, I've been so incredibly lucky...safe...blessed...I haven't been the victim before. I REALLY DO REALIZE that this is very small potatoes in comparison to what could have happened...like a practice wake up call. It could have been my purse...or worse a child. As always I ask myself...what has my silver learned from this experience? A re-hash on safety. Stay alert! And I am in most situations...like parking lots and gas stations. But this now includes IN the grocery as well. This made me realize just how easy it was for someone to take...heave...my case of water and soda. They had to have bent down right next to me to get it. Did they laugh? Did they think they pulled one off on a old lady? Mean! I don't think like that so I really can't imagine who or why it was done.

On a lighter note, when I got home and relayed the events to Officer Buckle, perhaps hoping to be consoled of my near catastrophe, he quickly inquired about my bag. "Was anything missing?" he asked. I told him that my bag had been buried under the groceries and was spared, but no. "Here, dump it...right on the kitchen table. Is anything missing?" So sad...apparently Officer Buckle hasn't been reading my posts to know just how much is in my bag and how long it would take for a search and rescue! He consented with a quick peek to make sure my wallet was of the same weight.

The moral of today? A refresher course in safety, and...be on the lookout for lazy shoppers helping themselves from your 'display' cart.

The Silver Side of Life