Reader can relate to couple in grocery bind

Dear Editor:

I have read about the couple that got their grocery order cancelled who “don’t deserve a story,” according to one letter writer.

It just goes to show that this isolation brings out the best and the worst in people. These are regular people who are following the rules and tried to plan ahead. Their status shouldn’t matter. We are all people in this together.

Honestly, it sounds like some readers just want to hear more bad luck stories about people on their death beds than regular people managing despite the isolation. Maybe they only ‘deserve’ to have a voice if they have the virus or if one of them had died.

I can relate. I too had a grocery order from Save-On cancelled at the last minute after waiting for almost two weeks. They promptly told me that it was cancelled, there was not enough to fill my order. Surely, I thought, they could fill some of it.

Then I tried again, waiting yet another couple of weeks and sending my husband out for what we needed to get by. We have to be particularly vigilant because the virus would be fatal to me. When I sent my son to pick up my groceries they simply said I should have received an email cancelling my order, which I didn’t.

I have relied on this service long before the crisis. I recently had a double lung transplant and use the service weekly. I really appreciate the staff and opportunity to do so. I could say I should get special treatment because I have a greater need. The fact is, I am just like everyone else.

Let’s not look for people to blame or complain about. I suggest you do something positive to make a difference. Be grateful. Those who can, make a donation to the food bank or Gospel Mission or just go out at 7 p.m. and blast your horn — it might make you feel less grumpy.

Erika Podewils, Kelowna