CIVILITY: It's alive!

Just the other day, as I entered the doors of a local store and glanced around for an electric cart, I saw that there would be a wait. I am 87 years old and walk with a cane. Those little electric buggies are a great help to us senior citizens.

There was another customer waiting: a young woman with crutches. She and her tiny child were waiting for the next available cart. I sat down and nodded a good morning to her. Just then, an empty cart was driven up. The young woman indicated that I was to take this cart. When I objected, she said, “You are old. You must take this cart. I will wait for the next one.”

No argument would change her mind. So I said, “Young lady, you have VERY good manners. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Bless you and your child.” I tootled off in a cloud of sweetness, so happy to know that civil acts and thoughts are still with us.

CLAIRE MASTERS

Coeur d’Alene