Trampled on Black Friday

Were you as appalled and saddened as I was to hear that a clerk was trampled on "Black Friday"? I used to wonder where the name "Black Friday" came from and now it appears to have lived up to its name.

What has happened in our society that makes people not reach down to extend a hand to someone who has tripped in the rush of shoppers, yet alone is trampled upon? How selfish does one have to become to get angry when the store is closed for a time due to this person's demise? What needs to change in order for us to care about others more than the purchase of a plasma TV?

My heart goes out to the family of the clerk. This is what they will remember every Thanksgiving from now on.

I've never been one of the frantic B.F. shoppers. It's not because I don't relish a good deal. It's because with MS I can't imagine placing myself in that crowd. Since I use a power chair to shop in malls to save energy (though I walk with forearm crutches) Christmas shopping is enough of a challenge simply because the isles between racks of clothing or items are barely navigational if not impassable with my chair, and that's without the crowds.

If I were one of the B.F. shoppers I would like to think I would try to act courteously towards any individual. I know when I'm fatigued I can get cranky like anyone else and I have been known to apologize to clerks for being short and ungrateful. I just can't fathom plowing physically over the top of someone without noticing!

There is a proverb that says "An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends" (Proverbs 18:1). And to me, this is exemplified selfishness--me first, "I want what I want no matter what" thinking and actions that followed.

I hope this was a wake up call to many who will be shopping.

To kindness in and out of the stores this Christmas shopping season!

Jo