Beer Run

I like beer, lots of beer and any beer really. From hops to light, stout to lager, they all make me happy and sometimes sad but we’re not getting into that!

Today I went to my local liquor retail establishment to purchase some wine for a friends surprise party. Of course, I could not help but pick up a six pack of bottled Yanjing. Say what you may, but I was craving some Chinese beer and it was moderately priced.

When I went to the cashier to pay the cost, I noticed the little lady in front of me had purchased a couple bottles of store brand, white wine and a twenty four pack of light lager, also store brand. She was an elderly woman, I’d hate to put a number on her but I would guess she was pushing into her late sixties.

As I paid, I watched her slowly gather up her wine into the burlap grocery bag and find a good grip on the rough cardboard edges of the twenty four pack. I thought about asking her if she’d like some assistance carrying out her bottles but couldn’t find my tongue. She struggled a bit but she still held a strong grip on her way out the door.

Watching her exit, I paid as quickly as I could and raced out the door to catch up to her, teetering down the sidewalk.

To all my Southern brothers and sisters, up north, we are still experiencing light snow. But during the day, the sun shines bright and gives the night time to make ice. A treacherous foe to the elders of our city.

When I caught up to the lady, I spooked her a bit from moving up beside her too fast and it broke my heart. I asked her if she’d like some help. She laughed off the nerves and said yes.

Immediately, I grabbed the twenty four pack and when we got to the curb, I held out my arm. She grabbed onto my denim jacket gently and I escorted her to her vehicle.

With my six pack of bottles and wine tucked under my arm, I held up the twenty four pack and said “This sure is a lot of beer for a little lady like you”.

She laughed wholeheartedly and replied, “Well, one at a time”.

I couldn’t help but laugh in response.

We found ourselves at the trunk of her vehicle and after placing the beer in the trunk I wished her a good evening and went on my way.

From personal experience and I’m sure others feel the same but I find it difficult to ask for help. I have too much pride and I guess that might not change for some of us.

I think the moral of this story though is, even if you’re afraid to ask for help, you should never be afraid to ask TO help.