By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Now here’s a guy who looks like a senior, right?
I am not nor have I ever been hung up on this age thing. Granted, growing up I was always the youngest in my class. With an October birthday, Mother chose to have me start school early – likely to get me out of her hair – so I was always the youngest. I graduated high school at 17, college at 21. Age has just always been a number, and not one I have overt concerns over.
But, this week, a thing happened. A startling happenstance that took me off guard. I was returning a pair of jeans that were too big – yes, I said TOO BIG! – and purchasing a couple of other cute things at one of my favorite go to’s: T. J. Maxx. Now I love my Neiman’s and Nordstrom’s, but this girl loves a good bargain as well, especially for trendy, single season items. Staples I will spend money on. Wide leg jeans with pink bows on them, not so much. They will be here today, cute and fashion forward, and gone tomorrow.
When it was my turn to check out, I presented the return and the receipt along with the new purchase.
“Would you like to do both the return and purchase on the same ticket?” the elderly salesman inquired. I note elderly to assure you he was not a young ‘un.
“Whatever is easier for you,” was my courteous reply donning a bright smile.
“No, let’s do the return separately, then I can give you your senior discount on the purchase.”
Honestly, I only heard the word discount initially, so I was all in. Then the statement sunk in or rather slapped me in the face. Senior discount? Really?
Now this wasn’t one of those days when I wasn’t looking my best. I had appointments that day, lunch with a girlfriend, so I had made an effort. It was a full hair and make-up day along with a cute statement outfit. No all hair up in a hair clip, flip flops and shorts. I’m talking full jewelry and fabulous shoes.
I stood there a minute too stunned to speak, which is rare for me. I weighed my options carefully. Inquire about the senior discount situation and risk losing the discount, or quietly accept my “good” albeit disturbing fortune? I found myself in quite the quandary.
The transactions took a minute as there were two, so I had a beat to ponder. I opted for silence convincing myself that I had misunderstood his words.
The salesman politely handed me my three receipts along with my purchased items and cleared up any misunderstanding.
“Here you go with your senior discount. Have a great day!” he exclaimed enthusiastically.
Sure enough I reviewed the receipt, and there was a ten percent discount.
“Thank you,” I replied deciding not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
I got in my car and immediately asked Babs, “Does T.J. Maxx offer senior discounts?” She’s full of random information.
“T. J. Maxx offers senior discounts at certain locations in Florida on Mondays,” was her prompt reply. I wasn’t in Florida; it wasn’t Monday.
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror to make certain nothing was overtly amiss with my appearance. A few blondish streaks in my hair shone brightly in the afternoon sun. They’re not really blonde, but in my mind they are. I’ll be getting my hair colored at my earliest convenience. See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
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