I've always been told that God would not put more on me than I could handle... He thinks I'm a strong, independent, knowledgeable female who knows how to think things through before she acts. And He is right. I do not jump into a battle unprepared and I do not accuse without just cause or factual information.
Except at work! Apparently my place of employment does not value their merchandise to the point of installing security cameras in key locations where thefts are occurring, nor do they realize that 2 people cannot operate a store, meet and greet the customers, wait (sometimes hand and foot) on them and be expected to stock, face, front, and watch for shoplifters... Even God himself laughed when I read my job description to him... Then he asks me, "Child, why do you question me?"
With a smile, I go about my day, waiting on customers, checking IDs for those who are buying more than the justifiable amount of lithium batteries, cold medication and instant cold packs (for those who aren't familiar, Coricidin Cough and Cold is a.k.a. Triple C, and when ingesting large amounts gives the abuser a 'high' sensation. The lithium batteries and instant ice packs are used in producing methamphetamine). In addition to this, I'm stocking, reconciling cash, following procedure and trying (to no avail) to deter shoplifters.
Since there are no names involved, I'm going to tell you what happened. Customer comes into the retail store carrying a tattered handbag. She is dressed fairly nice, but rather out of season (for Arkansas in March anyway). Long dress, black boots and her hair is pulled back. She is in the store for nearly 2 hours, browsing the plethora of merchandise and committing to simple conversation as we work around her.
Noticing at the check out that she is rather lethargic, but still keeping her mind on the task at hand, she digs in her wallet (handbag now missing, but maybe she took it outside, right??? That could happen) for $2.16 to purchase the 3-bar package of deodorant soap she took 2 hours debating to buy. (I kid you not... 2 hours for soap). After 10 mins of searching her purse, she says, "I must have left it in the car." She steps outside, casually walks across the lot (thank goodness it was a little slower at that particular time). I notice she sets down in her vehicle, and I think to myself, "LaVonda, you worried for nothing. Her purse in undoubtedly in the car". Then she pops her trunk. Now, I begin to doubt my previous explanation and worry more on whether or not she is coherent enough to figure out where her money is. Nine minutes later, she returns to the door and says, "I'm going to have to come back, I've misplaced it".
My superior voids the item and we briefly discuss the situation and express our concern for her. I continue with my day thinking "that poor woman. I hope she finds her money." Because I have a genuine concern for anyone who misplaces something. This coming straight from a woman who forgets her keys every time she walks outside.
Long story longer... That evening, I stop back into the retail store to pick up a few items to take to a friend who's father is in the hospital and I'm approached by my superior asking me, "have you ever seen this before"? Low and behold... The tattered old handbag the lethargic woman was carrying in the store... and it was empty, less a peppermint wrapper. No wallet, no money, no keys, no ID... as if someone had cleaned it out. "Someone must have stolen it while she was shopping and she didn't even realize it", I think to myself.
With my mind on other things, I didn't think any more about it. Until the phone rang this morning. My superior calls me to tell me the very same woman returns to the store, purchases several pricey items... and carrying in her possession, one of our handbags that we sell at the store! And didn't even buy the soap she was originally in there for.
Now, if it looks like a duck, and walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's got to be a duck right? So why in the hell do I have to SEE them steal something to question whether or not they actually stole something. If they are acting mysterious or if something just doesn't seem right, why can't I follow them at a safe distance to monitor their shop(lift)ing and approach them when it's witnessed. WHY? Because while God thinks I'm his child, smart and knowledgeable, Dollar General thinks I'm a clairvoyant BAD ASS!
Until tomorrow,
LaVonda
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