Service with a smile

My daughter is one of the many infected by the swine flu here in my county.  9 out of 20 kids in her class are confirmed flu cases. Needless to say, there has been a run on the medication being given to those at risk with the flu. Only one pharmacy in the area carries the pediatric version of Tami-flu.

I didn't want to bring her out with a fever to the pharmacy.  I called ahead and told them what time I would be there to get the medication giving them two hours to fill the prescription.  The sitter could only spare a half hour and it took fifteen minutes each way to the store.  You can already picture the tension over a long stoplight, never mind any issues at the store.

I got there and there was no one in line. SCORE!

However, the girl I spoke with put my prescription in the wrong pile and the pharmacist never saw it and said, "It will be at least a half hour."

"But I called and asked if it would be ready."  sounding more nasty then I intended.

"Well, you can just go to another store then."  The pharmacist sourly replied.

"You are the only pharmacy selling the suspension."  I frantically recoiled.

"Then you will just have to wait then."  He smugly retorted.

Sarcastically, I thanked him for his compassion.

I started calling around trying to find a relief back -up babysitter but before I put in my second phone call he said, "Ma'am, your order is ready."

Astonished I walked over to the counter.  He looked wearily at me and said he was sorry.  He was being worked to the bone trying to get this stuff out fast enough.  I apologized too.  Recognizing that when I am stressed with having a sick child my best behavior isn't always shinning through.  We again recognized the other person's position and continued our day.

I would being willing to bet that this is a good illustration of what happens most of the time when we handle or are handled with hostility.  I would being willing to bet behind the clip, angry, or sarcastic comments are stress, frustration or fear.  

I hope I can remember that the next time I am dealing with someone and it is not going smoothly.  I hope I can take the pharmacist's example and be the first to apologize when the moment of clarity arrives.

“You should respect each other and refrain from disputes; you should not, like water and oil, repel each other, but should, like milk and water, mingle together.”

Buddha  Namaste, Krissy