Don’t judge. OK? Promise? It may be hard for some so, at the onset, I just ask that you hear me out. Ready? I don’t like Wal-Mart. SHOCKER! Contrary to what your first impression might be, it’s not so much the people, be it employees or customers…though there are some crazies there. But I have to remind myself, I have my fair share of them too. Like the other day.
I should’ve known something was up when four jumped out of the truck and left one sitting in the bed. With the scent of a skunk aerating the space around the front door, one asked, “What can you do to take the skunk smell away?” HA!! Thus the lone ranger in the parking lot. As I explained what to do (wash with Ivory soap and hydrogen peroxide) his friends began to tell me of the battle between the skunk and their friend. The fearless fighter with a stick to prod and tarp to shield the stench, the four legged furry creature trying to flee. Poke, prod, spray, scream… you get the picture. Do I need to tell you who won? Back to my blog.
So it’s not the crazies that keep me affinity at bay, it’s the enormity of it. I get so overwhelmed. Maybe it is my ADD or ADHD or a combination thereof. I can’t remember which one it is that many of you have diagnosed me with, but something kicks in that causes me to have sensory overload. You know what I’m talking about. Who, in their right mind, needs 721 varieties of cereal to choose from? And 63 different bottles and kinds of water from which to pick? Hello, water is water and just grab your Lucky Charms and go. There is so much in those concrete citadels that dot our American landscape.
Now, understand, there are plenty of things which I appreciate about Wal-Mart as I do any big box store. They offer much, they tend to be more economical, the employ many, etc. But what I like about them is what they cause me to do day in and day out, be a small hardware store in Union Valley bent on offering as much as I can and taking care of you as much as I can. Does that make sense? I know I can’t be a Home Depot or Lowe’s or a Bass Pro Shop or even a Tractor Supply in our neighborhood but by golly, I can be the best Eagle Hardware Farm and Ranch around. I know I am blessed to be where we are and to have you come in day after day and trade with us. I know I say it often but am sure I do not say it often enough, Thank you. Thank you for having the privilege and honor of helping you.
One last thing, if any of you feel compelled to share with me any of your funny Facebook posts of Wal-Mart shoppers or Wal-Mart stories, please reconsider. Just know that I know where that fifth person in the bed of that truck lives. I’m sure he’d help you have round two.
See you soon!