I call this place, Trader Sam's

I’m still not entirely sure what happened today. All I know is I have 8 paper bags of groceries, a bundle of Gerbera daisies, and tears running down my face. I find the most amazing people in the most unusual places- and today- it was at Trader Sam’s.

It is no secret one of my favorite places on earth to relax and gather my thoughts is at the grocery store. I love it. I even lit up the online request page to bring Trader Joes to my new town in Texas when I moved to Amarillo. So this week while I journeyed up to Denver to get a lil piece of home while processing life, I found myself at Trader Joes In Littleton, Colorado.

Besides the fact their floral department was well stocked, flawless, and fairly priced, AND it is fall AND the cinnamon brooms smelled like heaven, I found everything but flowers that visit and soaked up all the good feels around every isle. Though my cart was noticeably full, my heart was a little empty that day with everything going on.

Rolling up to the check out, a gorgeous lady named Sam working her tail off was spreading sunshine to every single person that was in line before me. “Where have you been? It has been forever!” she said while scanning the lava cakes I knew I didn’t need. I had seen her before but in most places, my anxiety tells me I am invisible, be invisible, you are invisible. “I am back visiting family and helping some friends this week- it is so good to see you!”. Truthfully I hadn’t been around in several months and to my surprise she put her finger in the air and exclaimed “The hairdresser! That’s right you are the hairdresser”. In one word, wow- great memory and my introverted soul smiled that in passing, I had been remembered by someone.

We talked away as she sifted through all my favorites I had missed from home and marveled at our parallel life stories in healing and our return from incredible change. Her daughter, Lisa had an almost identical car accident and happened to be an amazing artist and gardener. What are the odds. I handed over a card for Odin & Koa and revealed how I found healing in my garden and I hope that her daughter finds the same. She threw her arms around me in a hug I didn’t realize I needed so desperately and in that instant- I found the fullness in Trader Joe’s that I couldn’t find on the shelf.

I swiped my card and Sam takes my cart… “follow me”. Sam lead me over to the flowers I had admired when I arrived and waved her hand across the sea of color. “Pick one. Today you get spoiled. These flowers are for you”. I held back my tears and wondered WHY. What triggered that moment. What did I say. What just happened. “Flowers for the Flower Lady”.

Sam and I walked my groceries to the truck and finished one of the most profound conversations I have ever had with a stranger. We ended with another great big hug and I cried the whole way home looking at my bundle of beautiful Gerbera Daisies from Sam. Flowers bring everyone together.

I don’t know at this point in my life all that I believe, but there have been very few encounters with truly pure and beautiful souls that make me believe in goodness. It brings me to a place of understanding that there is something out there in the cosmos looking down on my life and shining light through people in the most precious and unexpected moments. Thank you for your kindness, Sam.

Really, thank you.

Trader Joe’s- I hope this letter finds you.