It’s December 3rd, and I walk into Target. I need toilet paper and to look at Christmas lights for a few minutes and try to get in the spirit. To try to stop worrying. To try to be less lonely. To try to stop missing my childhood, my grandparents, the way things used to be. To desperately try and feel the magic and wonder I used to feel during this time of year.
Enter Jerry.
At the registers, Jerry is waiting for his next customer. His red shirt, gray hair, and full salt-and-pepper beard give him a more than passing resemblance to Santa himself. Normally I just go to the self-checkout, but as I walk past, Jerry's voice booms, "Are you ready to check out, young lady?" He has a warmth and kind energy toward which it is impossible not to gravitate. I feel myself start to smile as I head to his lane and put my few things on the belt.
Jerry continues, "Ok, now you're in my lane, and my lane is the happy lane, ok?" Charmed by his enthusiasm, I tell him that sounds good, that I need the happy lane.
His eyes start to dance. "Good. Do you know what we do in the happy lane? We sing! Will you sing with me?"
I’m completely won over. Grinning behind my mask, I tell him sure, I'd sing. What are we singing?
"Jingle Bells. You ready? 1, 2, 3..."
So we sing. Loudly, enthusiastically, joyfully. Completely not caring about the fact that no one else joins in, and ignoring the looks from other customers and staff who think we have clearly lost our minds. It’s a hilarious, wonderful moment. It is magic.
After we finish singing, I thank Jerry and tell him he made my whole week. He laughs and tells me earlier that day he had a family come through, and he and the kids even got grandpa to sing for a minute, they were having so much fun. I thank him again and go to leave, with Jerry sending me on my way. "Have a wonderful night sweetheart. Thanks for singing with me, and bless you."
I walk out blinking back happy tears.