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Ron Jackson's Perspective
The Sunday Journal
Kankakee, Illinois
September 21, 2008
Missing my morning
'Cheers' |
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'Convenient' a misnomer at some gas stations
It’s one of
those rare positive signs during the current economic slowdown. My
favorite neighborhood gas station is experiencing some growing
pains.
An addition to the building has been completed. To better
serve its customers, it had to close for a while for
remodeling, restocking and some exterior improvements. We were
given two weeks’ notice of the temporary closing. Last Monday was
the first day it was closed until further notice or for about two
weeks.
For the last few years, this place has been my first morning
pit stop seven days a week for coffee and newspapers and gas when I
needed it. It is the kind of place where everybody knows
everybody’s name. Sort of a "Cheers" on the go.
Out of habit, I was almost there before I remembered its
closing. I turned around to get my daily fixes at another
neighborhood station. It didn’t take long before I was reminded how
much I would miss my favorite place. Upon entering the
establishment, I observe that the only customer service
representative was on the phone. She may have noticed me as I
walked past her to the coffee dispenser. Then again, she may
not have, as she was so enthralled in her "very personal" phone
conversation.
By the time I had my coffee and newspapers, she had made her
way back behind the counter continuing her chat about her obvious
disappointment that her boyfriend's whereabouts were unknown. "I
don't really care. I ain't worried, either," she admonished the
person on the other end of the phone. Meanwhile, I am standing
there with money in hand. Waiting. And waiting.
Without looking at me, she glanced at my purchases and punched
in the keys. Feeling invisible while waiting to hear my total, I
glanced at the front-page headlines. Suddenly, there was a tap on
the counter. Then as if I was hearing impaired, a finger directed
my eyes to the green digital readout as she continued her
conversation. I thought maybe I should have apologized for
inconveniencing her. She stuck out her hand and took my $5 bill,
made correct change, and placed it on the counter without taking her
attention from her phone conversation. I gladly picked up my stuff
and walked out, thinking this is why security cameras were invented.
I could have committed a crime and she would not have been able to
identify me.
I began recalling why my favorite place is my favorite place.
It's because my favorite place is different. When people walk in,
at least three people greet you with a hello. Even on days when
someone may gripe about how much the price of gas is hurting, they
will remind you that at this place they only hurt the ones they
love. It does make it feel a little less painful as you're
pumping. They look at you when they take your money; and when they
give you your change, they say thank you. They send you on your
way with good-bye, take care, have a good day, see you tomorrow,
don't work too hard, or we have to pay the same price for gas, too.
They make you want to come back.
After just one day, I am more than ready to come back. Until
then, if I have to drive five miles to find a respectable substitute
to satisfy my habit, I will. I will not go someplace where I am
treated like an automated teller machine.
I could not help but wonder – if this person's missing
boyfriend had walked in, would she have even noticed him? |
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