Parking Lot Pandemonium
In the Middle of Hate, There Was Strawberry Shortcake
I haven’t written in awhile.
Everything has felt a little off as of late.
But, as I was verbally assaulted in a shopping center parking lot last week
I realized maybe I should write about it.
Because maybe, just maybe other people have experienced the same.
The day started much like any other.
I got ready, did my thing, and was racing off to meet my husband and son for a quick patio lunch.
I knew we were on a time crunch, so I entered my order online, in advance.
It was a beautiful day, and I knew my family would be outside and already eating their lunch.
As I pulled into the shopping center, I parked in a spot I’ve probably parked in hundreds of times over the last two decades, by the curb near Jason’s Deli.
Typically, there are cars scattered all down the curb.
Today, of course, I was the only one.
As I jumped out of my car, I was met with a man rolling down his window and BELLOWING at me:
“You can’t park there!”
“Who do you think you are, you dumb B****?!*”
Maintaining my regulation, I explained that it is a parking spot.
And, that the particular strip does not have earmarked turn lanes.
He drove away, while yelling more profanities and obscenities.
This outburst accomplished nothing.
Then, a WOMAN in the car behind him proceeded to roll her window down and join him in belittling and berating me.
The entire situation left me feeling shaken.
It felt very…anti-humanity.
Rooted in unfounded anger.
Reflected in complete and total rage.
I walked into Jason’s Deli, tears in my eyes, and told them what happened.
The employees at this location are so kind, and I’ve known several of them for years.
Once I was inside, I couldn’t hold my crying in.
I asked, “Why do people have to be so cruel?”
And, then, just to check myself, I asked to make sure I was not incorrect about the parking situation. (I wasn’t.)
Then, I went outside and sat down to lunch.
My appetite had all but disappeared.
As I opened my Modern Med Bowl, still somewhat upset, I had to explain to my child what he just witnessed.
People being unkind for no reason.
People using hateful, inappropriate words for no reason.
As we continued the conversation, I looked up and saw an employee from Jason’s Deli heading over with a bag in hand.
She sat it down and said, “I know how hard it is to have people speak to you like that… this won’t change that it happened, but here’s some Strawberry Shortcake. I hope you feel better.”
We continued our conversation for a bit, and my heart left feeling shaken, but optimistic.
Because in that really unnecessary situation, there was still kindness.
It made me think…
In every situation, there is still kindness to be found.
Somewhere, somehow.
We can be purveyors of that, or we can choose to resist it.
