A Tale of Two Snails

Sauron meets Turbo for the first time

The other day I headed out to the pet store to purchase two nerite snails. I'm a bit of an over thinker (that's an understatement), so I've actually gone out to purchase these snails a few times... either the store was too busy, it was too cold outside to bring them home on the bus, they were out of stock... etc. My journey started by dropping half of the cat food, that I didn't intend on getting but when you're out in these times you tend to hoard a bit more, onto the floor and a lovely associate offered to get me a basket (I accepted, which is rare for me). Embarrassment number 1. I headed to the fish section to bravely purchase my snails. I had my fingers crossed that they were in stock. Cue embarrassment number 2. The associate who witnessed me dropping my belongings and got me a basket was the associate of the fish department. Anxiety spiking rapidly. I waited in line for my turn. (I was next and nobody behind me so I didn't have to rush! Hurray!Big breath of relief.) A gentleman slightly older than I was approached me and the following conversation ensued: "Are you getting fish?" "Yes" "Do you mind if I cut in front of you? I just need crickets!" "Absolutely, go ahead." As the associate grabbed his crickets for him, he continued "How are you holding up through all of this?" (directed at me) "Alright, as well as one can be" (minimal conversation: internal dialogue "why do I always attract *these* people?") This customer, gentleman, person who I had never met before then begins to tell me his story. Raw, vulnerable, in 5 minutes or less while his crickets are being bagged. His wife passed away on Valentine's Day. Schools shut down here in March, so he's been at home with his 9 year old son who is doing his best to cope with his life being flipped upside down. This man had such a positive outward attitude about all of it, mentioning how he's so grateful for technology (I'll share my gratitude about that in another post), chatted about how you just have to keep going etc. I nodded and agreed with his statements. He then mentioned how he doesn't know how people go through the Spanish Flu - no communication with others, mail was being held etc. He was recounting many of his blessings. As I tried to process everything he told me, I wished him the best, and to take care as he got his crickets and left. The embarrassments of earlier quickly forgotten. I then took a deep breath and asked for my snails. If you know this guy, give him a big hug (when it's safe) from the girl buying fish at PetSmart. Thank him for sharing his story with me. Tell him good things and that he's putting a lot of good into the world. What this guy doesn't know is that we had passed the year anniversary of my mom's passing the day before. I don't know his pain but I can relate to it. I know the gratitude for technology (again I'll write about that another time) and the struggle of not having our circles physically with us right now. What I don't know, is why these people are always attracted to me; but I'm so grateful they are. I've heard so many wonderful (and some sad) stories that we'll continue to share here in this safe space. I left the pet store with two snails in hand (Gary* & Turbo), an armful of things I didn't need, my wallet nearly empty and my soul full. Keep filling your pockets with sunshine, but be sure to share it now and again. - Cousin Laura *I currently have my work fish at home with me (his name is Physh, named by the children). Gary resides with Physh :) (hence the need for 2 snails). Gary is also significantly smaller and harder to photograph.