Today, I had two hours to cram in a bunch of errands while the kids attended a birthday party. One of my stops (Walmart) involved the usual unplanned, but inevitable spin through the craft department.

The yarn aisle shares real-estate with the artificial flowers, which I’ve never noticed until today. When I whipped around the corner and saw a very elderly man holding and examining three artificial red roses, I said “I bet you’ll make someone very happy with those.” He looked startled for a moment, and then gave me a smile. I was halfway down the aisle when he spoke.

“As a matter of fact, I’m going to take these to the cemetery. They’re only $2 apiece, and they’ll last until Christmas, at least.”

I don’t know exactly what I said, but it was something to the tune of “I’m very sorry to hear that. They’re beautiful.” He thanked me, put the roses in his cart, and walked away.

I turned into the beading aisle, and I cried for the first time ever at a Walmart.

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