Page 5 of Still Made For You

The woman appeared to be in her mid-thirties with three children standing around her. I could tell she felt humiliated, and it was hurtful to watch. My heart broke for her because I remember what it felt like not to have money for food. I thank God every day for sending people with compassion my way.

“What’s her total?” I spoke up. The cashier turned in my direction with a flustered look on her face.

“For what? If she can’t afford to feed her children, maybe she needs to give them to someone who can.” Shock plastered across my face. The words she spoke were horrendous, and no one deserved to be degraded in this way. I wanted to ram my fist into her face, but I’d grown from those days of fighting bitches.

“I asked for the total. Your ignorant commentary wasn’t necessary. As a matter of fact, call your supervisor over. I’d love to hear their thoughts on how you treat customers.” I demanded. Steam blew from my ears as I clenched my fists together. Breathe Yani. You are a businesswoman now.

“Listen, please don’t go through this trouble on my behalf. It was an honest misunderstanding. I don’t have a phone to check my balance, but I thought I had enough. It’s all my fault,” the sweet lady called out. She wore a T-shirt and some tattered sweatpants. I noticed her children wore nice clothing, but not her.

“It may have been a mistake, but you don’t deserve to be treated less than because of it. You’re a human like everyone else and should be given the same compassion and understanding as the next person,” I affirmed.

“Umm, I can give you her total if you still need it.” The cashier changed her tone, but I didn’t care.

“I’ll wait for your supervisor to come over.”

“Yani’s arms are folded, so you know she means business.” Cartier joked. They know me better than anyone, and I wasn’t backing down once I got started. Luckily, we were the only other people in this line, but I wouldn’t have cared either way.

The young girl turned her register light off before stepping back from her post. A moment passed before an older black man walked up to the register. The two of them spoke in a hushed tone. I’m sure she was trying to explain her side of the story to him.

“How are you ladies doing this evening? Sarah tells me there’s an issue with a payment not going through?” He stated, waiting for clarification.

“No, that’s not the reason you were requested. This mother’s card declined. However, the way your employee conducted herself was disrespectful and degrading. There’s a certain level of professionalism that should be displayed when dealing with customers. I can understand someone having a bad day; however, blatantly judging the next person isn’t right. The comments she made towards her were deplorable. I’m sure her actions in no way represent the values of your company, but she is an employee here so she should know how to carry herself." I knew the boys were laughing behind me because of my professional tone. The manager peered over at the young girl before dismissing her.

“I sincerely apologize for any harm this interaction has caused you two. We believe it’s important for our employees to operate with kindness and compassion. I’m sorry your experience was less than favorable. I can assure you the employee will be reprimanded for her lapse in judgment.” He offered the lady a $25 gift card and then called another worker over to complete the transaction. I asked for them to ring our orders up together to make it easier for them.

“Thank you so much. You really didn’t have to do that. All I wanted to do was get a few things for my children to get us through the week until my payday.” Her eyes filled with tears as we walked together out of the store. It’s ironic being this store held so many memories for me. It’s the same store I came to when I met Justice. The night that changed my life forever.

“Did you get everything you needed?” I glanced at the children, who all seemed very well-mannered. I could tell from the way they circled their mother they were extremely protective of her.

“I-it’s enough to get by."

Our cart overflowed to the brim with snacks and other miscellaneous items, which vastly differed from hers. I knew how quickly boys went through food, and based on the items she’d purchased, it wouldn’t be enough for more than a couple of days.

“What’s your name?” I didn’t want to intrude, but I wanted to know the names of people I encountered in case we ran into one another in the future.

“Melody,” she replied.

“Well, Ms. Melody, go back and get everything you need.” I handed her $2,000 in cash. I’m sure if she needed groceries, there may be a few other things she could use help with. I remember sitting in the house with our lights off, trying to figure out why we were being punished. You never know what struggles the next person might be facing. I felt this pull on my heart to bless her, so I listened to my gut.

“Oh, no, I can’t accept this. You’ve already paid for our groceries.” She pushed my hand away, but her children’s eyes bulged in desperation. I knew she hadn’t been completely honest about her situation, but I understood why. It’s hard to ask for help, especially when we live in a society that judges you for not having it but also looks down on you for using the resources put in place to assist you.

“I’m not taking no for an answer. I’ve been where you are, and one day, God placed someone in my life to lend a helping hand. I’m simply paying it forward. One day, you will reflect on these times and remember just how far you’ve come. You’re doing a great job, but there’s nothing wrong with allowing someone to help you.” I placed the money in her hand and then gave her a hug. I wiped my own tears and then stepped back.

“Why don’t you guys go grab another cart and a few more snacks for the house?” I suggested. Melody turned to her oldest son before handing him some money. The two younger children were jumping up and down with excitement.

“Do you need anything, Mom? I don’t want to spend the money on only the things we want. You hardly ever get anything for yourself,” he pressed. It reminded me of how Cayden acted with me.

“If you see those granola bars I like, grab a box of those. Don’t let your siblings wander off from you. I’m going to run these groceries to the car and come right back,” Melody advised. He nodded, then walked off to grab another cart. Suddenly, he walked back over to us and hugged me. It melted my heart so much that the tears wouldn’t stop falling.

“Thank you.” My emotions rendered me speechless, knowing if I tried to talk, it wouldn’t be intelligible. He walked away with his siblings in tow as I attempted to gather myself. Cayden and Cartier took our cart so they could load the groceries into the car, leaving Melody and me.

“You don’t know how much of a blessing this is to us. I’m past due on my rent this month since I’ve recently been laid off from my job. I’ve been doing these cleaning jobs to come up with the money, but the landlord told me I’d have to pay in full in order to avoid eviction. Last night, I prayed for a miracle. Lord knows I’ve experienced my fair share of setbacks, but I couldn’t bear the thought of my children having to suffer because of my misfortune.

" I begged God to make a way for us to stay in our home this month, and then I would try to figure out the rest on my own. This morning, He told me to go to this grocery store after I finished my last cleaning job. Normally, I shop at the one closer to my house, but I decided to be obedient. I wasn’t sure whether I had any money left on my card, so I hoped and prayed all the way here. I’m not perfect by any means, but I love my children, and I work hard to provide for them. I know many people look down on people for relying on public assistance, but there’s no room to be prideful when my children are hungry. I did not know that when he sent me here, I’d be blessed enough to meet someone as kind as you.

"The blessing you have given us today goes far beyond money. You have restored my faith not only in God but in people. I know this season is temporary, and I pray to one day be able to return this blessing to the next person who is struggling. ‘Thank you’ seems like such an inappropriate word for what you’ve done for us. I have not eaten in days in order to make sure my children were full. You are an angel to us.” It warmed my heart to know I could be a blessing to someone in need.

"I’m glad we ran into each other. I pray these are your last days having to struggle for anything.” I hugged her once more before passing her the information to Justice’s community center and a card to Pastor Jordan’s church.

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