We All Need A Hug And Some Ice Cream After Dealing With The US Healthcare System

My insurance company’s Call A Nurse recommended I go to the ER (urgent care was closed) for a reason that’s irrelevant here. I took only my ID and my insurance card. The ER visit didn’t go well; they made me feel stupid for going for something they thought was minor, even though I said the insurance said to go.

I got out of the ER and decided I needed ice cream to feel better. I went straight to the grocery store, picked up ice cream and three other items to make a sandwich, too.

I went through self-checkout; the total came to $16, and I suddenly realized I had no money to pay. It was absolutely my fault for not paying attention to what I was doing. In my defense, I was in pain and angry/depressed about how I’d been treated at the ER, and it was late (after 10 PM).

I called the store clerk to cancel the order. He came, didn’t say a word, flashed his card, punched a bunch of buttons to put it back to the payment page, and turned to leave before I could say a word. I called him back and said it needed to be cancelled. He sneered, rolled his eyes, and said I hadn’t told him that. I said he hadn’t given me a chance. He cancelled and walked away. 

I admit I was a bit teary-eyed at this point; it was a rotten day. I started to walk away when the lady at the self-checkout beside me asked:

Self-Checkout Customer: “Do you need any help?”

Me: “I picked up a few things before realizing I didn’t have any money with me.”

Self-Checkout Customer: “Let me pay.”

Me: “No, it’s my fault.”

She insisted, and I caved. I probably shouldn’t have, but it wasn’t a lot of money, and I just wanted a sandwich and some ice cream. I thanked her over and over. And, yes, I very much enjoyed my sandwich and my ice cream.

Dear Lady at the grocery store, thank you so much for helping me out on a day that had been so bad up to then. I’ll pay it forward when I can.