The day was beautiful — there was little wind and a lot of sunshine. I unhooked a shopping cart, and my service dog and I were off through Walmart. 

That was 10 years ago, almost to the very hour. I pulled this column up because I needed some kindness to offset a hostile experience at a hospital when I tried to check on my relative in an emergency room, where she was transferred after she had fallen, broken two ribs, and punctured a lung. As an 80-something, she was my relative, and I wanted to hold her hand and look her in the eye to tell her that I love her and was here for her. I was told, "WE DON'T HELP PEOPLE IN OFF THE STREET." Her retort was to my request for an orange juice because my blood sugar had suddenly dropped low. She didn't seem to care that I wasn't able to walk, or that I needed wheelchair transportation to the cafeteria. 

The following column is a true account that reminds me we don't have to be ugly, hostile or mean when working in service or health. If we do, as Mr. Rogers suggested, look for helpers, we may indeed find gems.) 

My store haunts are usually the allergy medicine aisle, the lotion notions, electronics, and lots of time in the dog and cat food pantry. So, I was moving slowly through when I was sidetracked by car detail products, toys on clearance, and light bulbs.  

In the furniture square, I pulled open a drawer or two and considered using a futon in my spare room. I checked out some spicy colors in women's clothing. I looked through the shoes but didn't see a sandal that fit my mood. 

In the way-back of the store, I reached for some soda pop on the shelf, considered some non-dairy creamer, Greek yogurt, and apples. When I couldn't find Healthy Multi-grain by Sara Lee, I found Pop Weaver Extra Butter Popcorn and then I moved on to the pet department. 

I couldn't find Pedigree Sensitive in the dog food row and had to move on to Friskies Bits and Strips for the cats in my life. I breezed through the available perches for my cockatiel but didn't get one.  

As I started gravitating to the checkout lines, I realized, "I don't think I can keep standing through the long lines." 

My heart seemed to beat faster; I was shaking, sweating and dizzy. I approached the empty customer service area and called out to the checker: "Could you help me? I think I'm going to collapse."  

Quickly, Jennifer stepped out from behind the counter to assist me to a chair. I noted that I had forgotten my seat-cane at home otherwise I could have rested. She told me "No worries, Ms. Curtiss. Sit here and I will get you some water."  

She told me to not worry that she could check me out while I sat and caught my breath. As the products tallied, I drank the cold water that she brought me and petted my service dog who also carried my medical rescue button.  

Soon Jennifer had totaled the purchase, and I had signed for it. She said she would get somebody to help me out, and that somebody ended up being her.   

She walked with me out to the car when I unlocked the storage area of my teeny tiny car, she loaded my groceries and pet supplies. I was so thankful for her kindness and for her being an unexpected angel.

Nelda Curtiss is a retired college educator and long-time local columnist. Reach her at columnsbynellie.com or email her at columnsbynellie@gmail.com.