No, I’m not going to belittle anyone who shops at Walmart. Why? Because I shop at Walmart. I have no choice. There’s not much to choose from where I live. It really chaps my hide when people put down Walmart and the folks who shop there. #1: Walmart is no better or worse than Target, Kohl’s or any other department store. They all have their positive aspects and negative aspects alike. #2: People are going to shop where it’s convenient for them. If they like a store, they will shop there. End of story.

Do I see people dressed funny when I go to Walmart? Sometimes. Do I see people with funny hairstyles at Walmart? Yep. Do I see ill-behaved children at Walmart? Definitely. Do I see socially awkward and ridiculous people at Walmart? Absolutely. Do I smell funny smells at Walmart? OMG yes.

It’s the same thing anywhere I go. That’s life. Truth be told, weird folks are everywhere.

But this post is about something more. It’s not about strange hairstyles, the clothing, the smells, the noise, weird behavior or anything else that you might find unfavorable. It’s about the genuine warmth of people. It’s about real people. It’s about people who are out there busting their butts working at Walmart (or Target, or any other store) who are really good people. It’s about the customers who are really nice and polite to other people. It’s time we stop focusing on the negative and look at the good right in front of our faces every time we go out.

This is a shout out to:

• the people who smile as they pass even though they are having the worst day ever but can still be nice to others.
• the woman who holds the restroom door open for you as she leaves.
• the young man who asks you if you need help reaching something.
• the employee who asks if you need help finding something.
• the employee in electronics who answers every stupid question you throw at him.
• the checker who works as quickly as she can and actually bags your groceries properly; the eggs are bagged separately and the bananas aren’t bagged with the canned goods.
• the old man in the scooter who acknowledges he’s a reckless driver with a huge toothless grin on his face.
• the woman who realizes she’s blocking the entire aisle and apologizes as she moves over.
• the mothers who keep their children from running amuck and disturbing others.
• the cart collector who helps you get your groceries in the trunk and then takes your cart back to the store.
• the stock clerk who picks up the 40 lb. box of kitty litter (without being asked) and puts it in your cart for you.
• the person who lets you go in front of him/her in the check out line.
• the employee who goes to look if there’s new stock of something that seems to be unavailable on the shelves.
• all the folks who say please, thank you, and excuse me.

Thank you for being the light in someone’s day. Thank you for your hard work. Thanks for your kindness, generosity, and for being the good in this world. We need more people like you!