At least that is what my husband said to me when I returned home from errands and shopping on Saturday.
Me, in jail? That could never happen.
Let me first admit that my mouth does tend to overload my behind on more occasions that I care to admit. Today was one of those occasions.
I left the house Saturday morning, alone. That rarely happens in my life. I was so excited to be on my own time-line sans children. I had planned to make a stop at Home Depot first, for some needed fall items. I had delayed my shopping until this weekend so that I could get the nice discount which they provide to the military community. I am always thankful that Lowe's and Home Depot offer these discounts.
I had a very nice shopping experience in Home Depot. I found everything that I needed and made my way to the check out line. There was a couple in front of me in the check out line who was, I would guess - late 50ish. The nice cashier asked the couple if they were military, if so, they could receive a discount on their purchase. Then it happened. I wanted to slap someone. The man replied to the cashier, "I am absolutely not military, do I look that stupid?"
I was so shocked that I fell speechless for a moment. I kept thinking to myself, 'you are not a tactful person, you know better so do not make a scene.'
I said nothing. Because I couldn't. I was speechless. I showed the nice cashier lady (who looked as if she too wanted to slap the man) my ID card, she rang up my purchases, gave me a discount and said, "did you hear that man, can you believe he said that?" I simply said, "Yes, ma'am, I heard him and I am truly disheartened."
Then is when my anger kicked in. I literally ran with my cart out of the store, chasing the man and his wife. I am yelling at the top of my lungs, "Sir, excuse me, Sir, I would like a word with you." The man turned briefly to look at me and then apparently was afraid of the 5'3 woman running at him with her cart. He ignored me and got into his van as fast as he could. His window was down, so I continued to run and yell. I said (yelled) "Sir, what you said in the store about the military was completely inappropriate, you insulted me and my family with your words and just for the record, I do not appreciate it one little bit. You should be thankful to every person that has ever worn a military uniform, that you have the freedom to be a moron in a public place. Sir, did you hear me? Sir, do you have anything else to add to your previous comment? Wouldn't you like to recant your comment or tell me to thank my husband for your freedom of speech?"
He ignored me and drove off like it was a NASCAR race.
I could have come up with something better to say. I could have simply walked, not ran and asked the man if I could have a moment of his time. I could have just let it go and said nothing. On the other hand, I suppose that I could have ended up in jail for being some psycho lady running after a couple in the parking lot and screaming at them.
The day was done. What was said, was said. I may not be proud of myself for making a scene in the parking lot Saturday, but I know that I would have felt worse if I had said nothing at all.
What would you have done? You likely would have been more tactful than I was, to say the least, but how would you (or have you) handled similar situations?
Although my husband would have had worse words for the man than I did, he would have handled it better. He likely won't let me out of the house alone again for a long time. At least not without duct tape over my mouth. He told me that he appreciates that I love him and the military so much, but he doesn't want me to show up on the blotter.
