For the first time in my life, the other day I felt anxious going to the grocery store. It sounds silly- it’s something I’ve done a million times. And I’m not one of those people that hates grocery shopping. I don’t mind strolling down each aisle, getting what I need and finding other things to try or good deals. But this time, I felt pressure- get weeks worth of food so we don’t have to go out again, sanitize, stay 6 feet away from all humans, sanitize, don’t forget anything, sanitize, don’t touch anything you’re not getting, sanitize, you get the point. I was well armed- a mask, hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, and a lengthy list. I pulled into the grocery store parking lot and observed people getting out of their cars and walking toward the store, some with masks on and some without. There was a line outside the store, only 50 allowed in the building at a time. An employee was wiping down all carts as people returned them. I was thinking to myself what a sight this was, and how I’d have never thought, even a few months ago, that this would be the scene outside the grocery store. And then I saw it. A woman, right outside the store entrance, was holding a cardboard box in front of herself as a shield. I held my breath. My heart stopped. My immediate thought was… “it’s come to this….”. I felt like I was in the scene of a movie- an apocalypse of sorts. And then, after a brief moment in this alternate reality, I realized…. She was using this box for her groceries. (Insert “duh” hand hitting own forehead emoji here). It was one of those stores where you bring your own bags… or use their empty boxes. She had used a box, unloaded it, and appeared to be looking for what to do with it. Whether she meant to hold it as a shield to terrify the parking lot onlookers or it was simply an unfortunate placement, I’ll never know. I laughed out loud to myself- no AT myself- in that grocery store parking lot. I’m not sure if that moment in time reveals more about me or more about the crazy time we’re living in…. or both?!
