Chicago Walmart Takeaways

Sure, I’m getting a little Biblical but don’t let that stop you. Today’s title refers to Micah 6:8 and if you’ve been around churches, you’ve probably heard it. 

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

The last article talked about a recent trip to Chicago. I was the driver for three young women who celebrated their birthdays and graduations with this short excursion. That created time for me to revisit a couple of life’s milestones and to drive-by some of Chicago’s newest sites.

In 2009, I set out to raise money for homeless kids by riding a Segway PT (Personal Transporter) from Rochester, MN to Atlanta. I’ve mentioned this before, but for me, this was a major undertaking, so I think about it and it comes through the stories every so often.

During a break from my Chicago pick-up/deliveries last week, I decided to visit a Walmart store that had been a designated stop on what was then called SOS2009 (Segway Off the Streets). Sure, I see that little play on words (Segue v Segway), but that’s marketing for you.  

On this stop, we had scheduled a fundraiser with a “StandUp for Kids” volunteer, the organizational recipient of our fundraising effort. Since the Segway was an unusual machine, we were giving people a ‘taste’ of the experience for five dollars. 

4950 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL

There were two things that happened that day that have remained with me for 17 years.

1. Before we started the “1st Taste of the First Taste”, I quickly ran into Walmart for a couple of supplies. I didn’t have much time before the event started but as I was walking out of the store, an employee was trying to arrange the grocery carts. Each time she tried to align them, they started moving away from her. As I approached noticing the rather funny scene, I just walked up and stopped the first cart from moving. One more shove and the lady had the carts lined up perfectly. She looked at me with this huge smile and said (well shouted, actually), “THAT’S what I’m talking about!”  

2. About halfway through the event, there were a few takers riding around the parking lot on these self-balancing transporters. I noticed a car driving slowly. Since someone seemed to be checking us out, I approached the car to ask how I could help. The driver said, in a rather quiet and hesitant voice, that she could not afford to pay five dollars to ride a Segway. No problem. If she wanted to give it a spin, she could ride free. She shook her head and said that wasn’t the reason she stopped. She knew something about homelessness and wondered if we’d be willing to take her two dollars as a donation. She didn’t care about riding the Segway, she cared about someone without a roof over their head. 

On Saturday, August 8, 2009, I once again learned to focus on being just and merciful while walking humbly. In the first example, I witnessed joy. A woman had been seen by another. Her struggle had been noticed. Action had been taken without request. Her day was better because of this 10 second interaction. And my life changed a little bit too as it affects me still all these years later. 

The second example, well, here’s what I wrote that day: “Collected a few five-dollar bills and one two-dollar donation. The last one? That's what this is all about. Even though five dollars was out of reach, she wanted (needed) to do something for someone who has less. Make me cry, why don't you! Really. This was big.” 

Yeah. STILL big. 

The Walmart store at 4950 W. North Ave, Chicago has seen significant upgrades since that day in 2009. It’s now brighter, bigger, and provides more for the community than the original first Walmart location in Chicago. 

But the parking lot where people tried the Segway and where the woman with two dollars stopped to help looks much the same. I spent some time just sitting there remembering. I acknowledge that I too have changed because I take those two experiences with me wherever I go. 

Sometimes, the tiniest of actions can have enormous consequences. All it takes is an openness to see, an ability to recognize, and the willingness to act. In those few seconds of interaction with the grocery carts, it seems that I was able to brighten someone’s day. 

Only moments later, the woman and her two-dollar donation bumped into me. She gave me the courage and excitement to look forward to SOS2009’s fundraiser. She brightened my day and the pathway ahead.

I’m guessing that these two women have long forgotten that day. But I am so grateful that I had the time to revisit this place. It cautioned me to stay awake. It reinforced the good feelings given and received. Those women, one Black and one Latino, graced me with a community that day – and it has survived for nearly 2 decades. 

May you also have memories like this and may we all make more of them.

Effortless Adaptation – Short Version

Note: This is a new experiment. When writing, I tend to be a storyteller. But that means that often, these articles get a little long. (Some say, “wordy,” but I like storytelling better.) 

When designing future articles, starting with this one, I’m giving a nod to those who prefer a short, "Just-the-facts-ma’am" style. For those who prefer the ‘expanded’ version, the link has been included. Click here. 

Not every article will bend to this idea, but many will. Let me know what you think.

 * * *

A recent trip to Chicago reminded me of what it is like to drive in the “Windy City” versus small town Iowa. It triggered questions and convictions. 

There’s an urgency brought on by the sheer volume of cars on the road. Congestion is normal here. Getting around can be difficult. Chicagoans have adapted. They’ve put on an armor of aggressive action through speed and rapid directional changes. I’m sure they see it as the only way to survive in a grand metropolitan area that approaches 9 million people.

When getting close to the city itself, I found myself effortlessly adapting into the do-or-die driver of Chicago. I would normally consider myself a safe and courteous motorist. I believe in sharing the road with others. I believe in the idea of waiting my turn. I am willing to let another driver go before me, especially if they are determined to do so. 

But, without a thought, I let go of all those beliefs and habits once I was close to the Big City. What does that say about my commitment to safe driving?

If I let go so effortlessly in this get-to-where-you’re-going-at-all-cost scenario, what other moral and ethical commitments might also be subject to unconcerned termination?  

This worries me. I plan to check myself – often. I need to protect myself from, well, myself.

Caution: 

• Do not let the attraction of social media ‘friends’ decide thoughts and actions. 
• Reject mob mentality. 
• Hold morals and ethics, compassion and empathy, judgment and forgiveness, in open hands. Commit but be willing to listen. 
• Perfection is not a realistic goal. But these items cannot be allowed to ‘blow with the wind’
• Nobody is right all the time. This includes yours truly. 

While I am working on checking up on myself, I think that my next trip to Chicago should include a rented car. Maybe I’ll start with a place I heard about years ago: “Rent-a-Wreck”. 

I’ll let you know how it goes.