My birthday story and the purloined shopping cart

[oneighty]

A true story by oneighty (Me).

I have very serious lung/breathing problems. Today on my 70th birthday I visited my health clinic to have blood drawn for warfarin test. After the blood draw I went shopping at a large department store. I get around pretty good if I use a shopping cart to lean on and rest frequently.

So I am at a remote location in the store with my shopping cart looking through the merchandise. I turn to go and my shopping cart has been taken by a young couple and their baby I am speechless. They are gone. I am alone, helpless.

I slowly walk toward the store front each step gets me into further breathing difficulties, there is no place to sit, I am hyperventilating drying out mouth and throat and I cannot swallow I am choking, struggling to breathe, growing weaker and weaker and slipping into panic mode.

I find a clerk with a string of carts. She gives me one and I labor on to the lunch counter where I draw a cup of coffee. I ask the clerk for water. She points, it is so far away I will never make it. i sit in a booth trembling all over struggling for air. The clerk comes to me carrying a large glass of water. I dip my fingers into the water wet my tongue and lips and throat, soon I am able to take small sips of water and I slowly regain my composure. I drink coffee, puff albuterol.

When I leave I slip the kind water lady a dollar bill which she refuses but I insist, she takes it.

And to you that took my shopping cart I will not curse you, I will not wish bad fortune on you, but please in the future do not do it again.

180

[King Of Paperboys]

1. Happy Birthday 180!

That story totally bites! But it's good to know there are still people who care in the world. I hope you're feeling better!

[MercutioATC]

2. I'm sorry for the experience you had...

But (absoultely no offense intended) have you considered bringing somebody else with you when you go out? If you have that kind of difficulty getting around a department store, I'd hope you'd consider bringing a friend or relative that could help you if you needed it.

Take care..

[oneighty]

3. No I will not be restricted

like that. Next time I will put a buddy line on my cart, secure it to my person.

180

[MercutioATC]

6. I'm not advocating a "buddy line", just common sense.

If you have difficulty getting along on your own, why not protect yourself and bring a friend?

[JitterbugPerfume]

4. Thoughtless people, Ed

probably not bad people--just rude and thoughtless


I am glad you are ok , and God Bless that kind lady who brought you water

[Dookus]

5. Happy Birthday!

If I was there, that couple would've gotten quite an earful.

Hope the rest of your birthday is better!

[MuseRider]

7. I was wondering where you were

just yesterday, I missed you! :hi:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! :party:

What an experience, it must have been frightening. What a kind lady to get you the water. Not too many kind people like that anymore and I am so glad there was one there when you needed help. I like your buddy line idea. Be careful.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! :toast:

[oneighty]

8. Thank you Muse Rider

I have been busy, I finished my book and have been doing some research for two writer/historians concerning mine sweeping and mixed gas diving. Such fun.

I am also writing (slowly) another more serious book.

180