It has been said that a crisis brings out the best and worst in people. Recently, I saw the best.
I went to Reams Grocery and Smith’s in Springville to buy a few basic necessities — not to stockpile or hoard — just to get by for a few days. Yes, some items were in short supply, but something less tangible stood out in abundance: civility, courage and commitment.
The customers in the aisles and checkout lines kept 6 feet apart like soldiers counting cadence. They manifested a spirit of understanding, sharing and togetherness. And assisting customers, operating registers, helping with self-checkout, keeping morale high and standing tall were the food soldiers.
We take for granted that they will show up for duty, but let’s remember that they were not drafted. They are, in effect, volunteers. Yes, one might say, it’s their job. Yet, the less courageous, the less committed, could find a score of reasons for not showing up, to go AWOL. But they were on duty — smiling, serving, standing tall.
The next time you go to the store, stop for a few seconds and give a hearty salute to the food soldiers. They deserve our thanks, support and respect.
Dick Bona, Mapleton