Somethings we must simply write off as “serendipitous”. Such was the case that placed me and my wife in a far across town Dollar General Store.
On Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I was driving home from my downtown office and decided to take “a road less traveled” … a route that took me through older neighborhoods, by my old high school building, the State Fair Grounds, the County Jail, a homeless center and, the subject of this blog post, a Dollar General Store managed by Karen Harris. My old Mayor’s interest and curiosity nudged me and I stopped to check it out. Maybe there were bargains to be had … “Black Friday” was two days away.
This store was an adventure with narrow aisles, packed shelves and enough bargain treasures to convince me my wife and I both should return on Friday to capitalize on the largess.
While i was on this maiden treasure hunt, I was offered help and a big smile from the store manager, Karen Harris. I have seldom seen anyone who could multitask more comfortably than this amazing woman. She was the equivalent of four normal people … greeter, helper, stocker and manager. Needless to say I was impressed!
Friday morning, Black Friday, we returned.
We jumped on the deal for reader glasses … buy one, get one free. At that point, I was pretty well done! My wife, on the other hand, accelerated into super shopping mode … quickly filling a shopping cart with necessary household supplies, unnecessary snacks and treats, dozens of holiday trinkets and Christmas “whatevers” intended to make gift packages cute and festive. She was having a great time and so was I. In fact, I cannot remember when the two of us have had more fun shopping together. Remember, this is still a “Dollar General Store”.
For me this is a reminder how much joy we can find and share with simple things. It’s also a reminder how many people like Karen share love and the true spirit of Christmas with little expectation of applause, attention or gratitude.
I am so pleased to personally declare Karen Harris our HOLIDAY HERO.
PS: She did have a day off from DG on Thankgiving but she and her husband served dinner for 70 family and friends.
If you happen by Dollar General on Roosevelt Rd, stop in and say “hi” to Karen.
Jim Dailey 