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Friday, September 2, 2011

When You Least Expect It, People Shine.

I am a big fan of a clothing line called Morrison. I follow them on Facebook and today they posted a message on their page advertising a clearance sale. They are quite pricey normally and as we spend so much of our hard earned dollars on Harri's therapy I don't often treat myself so thought this would be a great opportunity to rush down and grab a few bargains.

When we arrived the place was already swarming with people and the queue was long. I knew immediately there was no point going in as Harri would not manage the waiting. So off I went back home trying not to feel sorry for myself over something that in the big scheme of things is quite trivial. When I arrived home I commented on the FB site that I couldnt attend as my son has Autism and would not cope in that environment and wondered if they would ever consider opening an hour earlier for mums with disabled kids to give us a head start? It was really tongue in cheek and a touch of curiosity to see if there would be any response. Well, ten minutes later the owner, Kylie, responds by saying she would be willing to meet me ahead of opening time tomorrow to let me in and watch Harri while I shop around.  Wow. I explained that my husband would be able to watch Harri for me the following day so wont need her to do that but was incredibly grateful for the offer. This is a company that does not need the extra business, they are popular and expanding all the time.

Anyway I wanted to share this for a few reasons. Firstly I think it shows that when we give people and businesses the opportunity sometimes they will respond in ways we cant imagine. Secondly I was able, in a tiny way, to increase awareness of the issues so many of us face simply in order to buy something to wear. I have often contemplated the idea of stores Nationwide having a one day a year event when they have a morning or evening they open only to parents of kids with special needs. (Does that make me a frustrated shopaholic?) 



But I was also really touched by how compassionate the response was. Not only to open early, but to watch Harri for me. I was truly stunned at the kindness. There's so many times when we are disappointed by other people and how they respond to us and our beautiful kids. Here's a story where someone reached out and offered so much more than I could have expected. And so I am happily giving them a plug

4 comments:

  1. I have goosebumps. I am so glad there are still good people out there and the generosity is flat out amazing. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Thanks Lizbeth. I think it's important to share these stories. This one simple gesture has me on a high for the rest of the day.

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  3. What a great story.
    Lisa

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  4. Awesome! Not much for shopping myself, but I'm very much in favor of responsive businesses and the way social media gives businesses an opportunity to respond to customer issues in real-time.

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