The kindness of strangers: sobbing in a rack of bras, a grandmotherly shop assistant soothed me
I was hobbling around and feeling really awful about myself – sore, sad and scarred, and as though I'd never look attractive again. Somewhere deep in the racks of bras I became so overwhelmed by it all that I just broke down and started sobbing.
Around the corner came a petite, grandmotherly shop assistant. She put down everything she was holding, walked over and asked me if I was OK.
Through tears, I explained how hacked up and completely daunted I felt. She took both of my hands, let me sob a bit and then told me: 'I know it doesn't feel like it now, but it will all be OK eventually.' She gave me some tissues to tidy myself up, helped me find some bras, and off I went.
Six years later, I went back to the same store. I was getting married, and needed a bra to go under my wedding dress. To my surprise and delight, my fitter was the same woman: Margaret, whose strong South African accent jogged my memory.
I told Margaret how amazing she was to me that day six years ago – and she remembered me! We were both a bit tearful, hugged again and once again she helped me find a bra. It felt like coming full circle. I later wrote to the store to tell them what a wonderful employee they have. With no drama and no fuss, Margaret had known exactly how to soothe me in my moment of distress.
Of course, Margaret had been absolutely right all those years ago – everything was, eventually, OK. The mastectomy got rid of all the cancer, sparing me the need for any radiation or chemotherapy. My partner and I got married last month and it was a wonderful celebration of how great life can be. And the bra Margaret helped me pick out for the big day was just perfect.
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