Uptick

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Preamble: Last year, our winter season hit quickly. One day was warm, and the next was freezy-snowy. My horses’ watering pump froze immediately, and so did their water. I frequently had to be out chopping very thick ice.

Currently: A few days ago, I was shopping at the supermarket Winco, where for months last year I was a cashier. While checking out, I asked if Cindy, the HR Manager, was in the store and, on learning yes, went to Cindy’s office to say hello and was greeted with a big hug.

When I worked there, Cindy was fairly new in her HR role in that highly successful and busy market. Although always swamped, Cindy was kind and willing to make space to listen, advise, and help. We discovered ourselves sort of soul buddies–each named Cynthia (my middle name), and both determined Geminis.

Last winter’s weather shift caught me unable to care for livestock while working away from home, and I had to make a decision. Cindy tried, but unsuccessfully, to adjust my working hours. And so, I left Winco.

As winter lulled months later, I job hunted but avoided Winco for having left there suddenly. I even hesitated to shop in the store. Recently, Stacy, a long-time Winco employee, and I bumped into one another in a Home Depot aisle. As we were catching up, I realized how much I had missed Stacy and other ex-coworkers.

I had been in touch with one ex-Winco employee, Eva, who now lives in Texas. And, after meeting Stacy, I went shopping in Winco and was surprised to find friends still working there recognizing and greeting me. Thankfully, my sometimes screwball brain is returning me to folks I have enjoyed.

About Cindy: she has traveled full circle and mastered her demanding HR role. Moreover, she’s busy outside, preparing for her daughter’s upcoming huge wedding. I asked Cindy what she plans to wear at work on Halloween (a huge event in Winco). She laughed and said that she’s creating a special costume to be topped by a pink “Grease Jacket.”

Dear Friends: It’s fun these days, retracing some special footsteps. Diana