Today, something terrible happened. I've carried it around all day a heavy weight on my soul that tarnished this season for me.
Today, a poor soul pulled his car into the parking lot of my work place. He got into the back seat of his car and slashed his wrists. I don't know how long he was there but at one point a car pulled up next to him and a woman got out of the car and happened to look into the back seat of his car. She phone the ambulance. Inside the store we had no idea of what was going on. It's only human nature to look out the window when you see flashing lights. The ambulance pulled up and the red and blue lights shone all the way to the back of the store where my section is. I saw the paramedics roll him into the back of the ambulance. I didn't recognise him, he's a senior citizen and his face is imprinted on my memory forever.
I have to assume that if a person tries to commit suicide in the parking lot of a liquor store on a Saturday morning, he doesn't really want to die. It had to be a cry for help. The heartbreaking part is, last I heard, they didn't expect him to make it.
I spent the rest of the day looking at my customers. So many people walking around looking angry or frustrated or so concerned about what perfect wine to buy for their holiday dinner.
No matter what your religion is, because really it doesn't matter. Do me a favour. EVERY DAY! Smile at a stranger. Say 'HI' to someone that looks sad. Volunteer at a senior centre for a couple afternoons one weekend. If we all tried to connect with those around us, wouldn't that make this world a better place to live?
