Highs in Lowe’s

Ugh… cloudy, dreary weather does nothing to help calm my hair from frizz. Nor does it help hide these new gray hairs that have suddenly chosen to appear.

I pull my mask on and walk towards the entrance of Lowes. Thankfully, the mask helps to hide my less than perfect complexion. That’s the struggle right? The mask creates acne as your hot breath adds to the moisture on your skin and suffocates the pores. But at the same time, it covers those imperfections.

If only I could do more for my crow’s feet and wrinkles under my eyes… I guess that’s another “scar” from 2020.

As I enter the store and start wandering towards the tools looking for a level, I remember a time when I was super cute (and worked at Lowes). Lots of blond hair and super tan legs in my khaki shorts got the attention of my co-workers and customers. I was a pleasure to work with and sight to see climbing a plant rack (and I knew it). But that was years ago, and time has certainly started to etch its way across my hair and face, and too often I don’t feel even the slightest bit of cute. Man, just to feel 25% of the confidence I had at 20 would be a day.

On top of feeling down on my physical self, I feel down on humanity. 2020 with all of its mask mandates, social distancing, cancel culture and protests for everything has really brought out the ugly in people. Everyone views each other with skepticism and fear. It wasn’t like that when I worked at Lowes. Sure, there were the few customers who were regular shoplifters and those who poked holes in brand new bags of dirt or fertilizer for a “busted bag” discount, but even they greeted you with a smile as their kid walked the aisles with a stick. Facebook is filled with stories of customers and employees screaming at each other over masks, and the NextDoor app views every new face as a potential scammer. Is everyone out to get me (or my neighbor)?

It’s Saturday on the edge of Spring so Lowe’s is hopping. I choose a Craftsman laser level to help hang curtain rods, and out of the corner of my eye I see 2 sales associates stocking shelves. I don’t think I looked too lost, but before I know it both are walking in my direction. “Miss, is there something you are looking for?”

“Why yes, there is. I have a Dewalt drill that needs a new 18volt battery, and I can’t seem to find it.” Immediately, one associate begins an inventory search for the battery, and another heads off down the aisle towards the power tools. The power tool guy, Mike, comes back and says “Miss, I found it, but you could get a brand new drill and 2 new batteries plus an extra battery for $70 cheaper.”

This is the crazy thing to me about tools… I have a drill (purchased in 2011) and the replacement battery is $170, yet a brand new drill is on sale today for $99. Obviously I’m going to buy a new drill. I push my buggy towards the power tools where I am met by 2 additional sales associates who are eager to explain the difference between 12volts and 20volts and how the new drills are brushless (and what that means and how it compares to my old 18volt). They explain the possible need to having a hammer option on the drill and through many questions we determine I probably don’t need it.

But as I stand there, I literally feel my heart wanting to explode because these men are so nice. I’m overwhelmed that I have not 1 but 4 people wanting to make sure I get the best deal and tool for my needs.

Twenty minutes later, I have a drill and power saw for my outdoor bushes. I thank Mike and the rest of the gentlemen, before grabbing my last few items. While in the garden center, I hear “Miss, Miss” it’s Mike from power tools, ”I’m so glad I found you! I just kept thinking 90210 [that’s the shirt I was wearing], and hoped you were here. You are supposed to get another battery for your saw and I didn’t want you to miss out.”

Again, he didn’t have to bring me this battery (there are plenty of other customers he could have been helping) but he chose to search the store to make sure I got the entire deal. I thank him again and head to the register to purchase all of my goodies.

Outside, I realize that I have pushed my buggy down the wrong parking row and the only way to get to my car is over a concrete curb sandwiched by a car. I debate on doing it myself, but knowing how mad I would be if someone damaged my car trying to attempt the move… I decide to turn back and go the long way round. But out of nowhere this gentleman from the row I need walks up to me and says “Are you trying to get over here? Let me help you” and he grabs the front of the shopping cart and lifts it up, over and safely on the other side of the curb.

I’m blown away, someone else willing to pause and notice my struggle and then offer a solution with a helping hand. And I’m still in the Lowe’s parking lot. After thanking him, I spot the red Altima and pop the trunk. I notice my Good Samaritan is looking over his shoulder making sure I get the car loaded. Then suddenly, a young man stops and asks me “Ma’am do you need help loading this stuff?” Again, these 2 guys were not Lowe’s employees just a couple of Average Joes. I decline his assistance (it’s just power tools and a shovel) but thank him for the offer.

As I get in the car, I can’t help but wonder… are my shorts looking a little short today? Am I looking cute? I had no less than 6 different men offer me assistance on this excursion; I can’t remember the last time that has happened to me. For a moment, I feel the confidence that the 20 year old me always carried, and in this moment I’m reminded that there are nice people still in this world.

In a world where it’s easy to ignore others, take the time to be kind…

It can change the outlook for a woman struggling over confidence and a few gray hairs.