Holiday Cheer

It is a time-honored code older than the dust. Few ever speak of it, yet it is known by all: the vertically gifted shall aid those who are vertically challenged in top-shelf recreation, commerce, etcetera.

Yesterday, the bake aisle at Walmart was bustling hip-to-hip as Thanksgiving matrons politely excused each other, procuring love and other secret ingredients from the shelves. I was looking for a vanilla bean for the ice cream. I knew Walmart wouldn't have it but I thought I'd check anyway. I had just helped a nice lady, who had forgotten her glasses, to find sage, and then turned to leave when my gaze met a woman halfway down the aisle, her eyes locked on me. I saw her mouth mutter the customary, "excuse me," "I'm sorry," and "pardon me," without breaking eye contact as she made her way toward me.

When she was close enough for polite conversation, she smiled and asked, "Can you please help me?"

I knew before she even opened her mouth that she needed me to reach something for her.

I said, "Of course!" And followed her to the other end of the aisle where she gestured to the top shelf where the overstock was stowed. The lower shelf had run out of this particular corn meal before an employed was able to replenish it.

As I handed the bulging sacks to the scout lady, a third lady, who witnessed the transaction, asked, "did she go hunt you down from somewhere else?"

I smiled and nodded as the vertically challenged lady proudly chirped, "yep," clutching her prize to her bosom.

As I turned to leave, I heard, "awesome."

Folks, I literally saved Thanksgiving for someone. I'm pretty sure applause erupted in my wake as a single tear of gratitude and holiday cheer glistened in the eyes of each of the ladies as I walked away into the wind, my hair and cape billowing out behind me in heroic fashion.

It is a burden carried by all who can reach the top shelf, but I promise, it's not a heavy one. Most of us don't mind assisting you. It makes up for all of the, "did you play basketball" inquiries that you wee little people often ask.

Happy Thanksgiving.