Sticky Fingers

I remember when I was about six or seven we were at the grocery store. I saw a big bin of pacifiers. I wanted one of those so bad! I asked my mom if she could buy one for me. She said no, like any good mother would. But I really, really wanted one. So, while she wasn't looking I put one in my pocket. We continued to walk the isles. The guilt kept sinking deeper and deeper in my soul. We got to the cashier, I quickly said, "Mom, I will be right back." I ran through the store and put that pacifier back and ran back to my mom.

Today I was at goodwill with Abby, Jacob and Bryan. Abby asked if they could get something. I said, "no, not this time." Abby said, "then I am going to look on the floor for something." I said, "well you can't keep whatever you find."

I find a pair of pants for David and then we go to check out and then we get out to the van. Abby said, "oh, I am so glad that we are back at the van." She then took of her soft sole ballet slippers and pulled out a pretty bracelet, and some pieces of plastic that probably came off toys or something.

Part of me just wanted to get into the car and go home. Then something said to me, this is small but the next time it could be lots bigger.

So, I sighed and said, "okay, we need to take this stuff back."

Abby said, "okay mom, I will wait in the van and you can take it back."

Me, "no, this is something you need to do."

Abby, "so, when we get inside can I just put it back on the floor and then we can leave?"

Me, "no."

As we get closer to the door

I said, "I need you to tell the lady that you are sorry that you took these, then give them back."

Abby, "how about if you say that?"

Me, "nope."

So, we get inside and I hunt for a cashier that is old, hoping that they won't just say, "oh, it's okay you can keep it."

We have to stand in line. I couldn't wait any longer so I interrupt the checkout process that was going on. I felt bad but I had a baby that needed to get out of the store.

Abby quickly and quietly said, "I'm sorry I took these."

The cashier looked like she got a little emotional and said, "oh, well thank you very much, thank you for coming to our store I hope you come back real soon."

I mouthed thank you to her as Abby hid behind me. She held my hand all the way to the car. I could even feel her trembling a bit. I don't think she will try that again.