Ambushed at the Grocery Store

“May the grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, surround you. He is the Father of Compassion, the God of all comfort. He consoles us as we endure the pain and hardships of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles. (2 Corinthians 1: 2-4 The Voice)

            With a short shopping list, I planned to run into the grocery store quickly and finish my errands. After entering the store, I felt like there was a party going on, but I had not received an invitation.

            By the front door, containers of red, pink, and white blooms lined the floral section. A man selected a cellophane wrapped bouquet. Tears tickled my eyes as I thought of his happiness at giving the gift. No flowers would come from my husband.

            The sudden bout of grief made me hurry to the produce area. My eyes moved upward to the heart balloons waving to customers. Hearts decorated the fruit and vegetables bins. In the bakery, heart shaped cookies and cakes added to the festivities.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the party atmosphere except me.

            My breath caught as I grabbed some bananas and strawberries and hurried away. Surely I could stay to purchase two more items.

            As I reached for chia seeds on the first aisle, I heard voices behind me. I turned to see a young couple laughing and kissing. One more stab into my aching heart in the midst of a celebration I couldn’t attend. 

            I can do this. Though I wanted to leave my cart and run from the store, I kept my eyes straight ahead and aimed for the dairy case. With four containers of yogurt placed in my cart, my mission was accomplished.  

            A long line at the pharmacy blocked my escape. After a lady moved aside, I found an open check out lane.

            A smiling bagger helped me unload my groceries onto the conveyor belt. Another sigh escaped. I was almost finished and could retreat to my car and then home away from reminders of being alone on another Valentine’s Day.  

            I avoided reading about Valentine dinners, romantic get aways, and sparkling jewelry. I shunned stores with from racks of cheerful Valentine cards. But I hadn’t thought of being ambushed by grief at the grocery store.

            Thankfully, at home I recovered quickly. . For me, it would be the fourth Valentine’s without Alan. I thought of many others who would also be alone. Some much longer then me.

            To relieve my pain, I decided to focus on them. With paper, pen, and foam hearts, I began making a variety of valentines. I could also send messages, make phone calls, or visit. I definitely wasn’t the only one with sadness on a day most people celebrated.

Loving Father, thank you for loving me. In my loneliness, help me comfort others like you have comforted me. Amen