Backstory: Tatum wanted a VR. Yep…. a $400 device that is a virtual reality machine.
Well, that required some work because she had to sell her Nintendo, raise some funds, save some money from reading…etc. It was a big purchase for her!
This excitement lasted a week or so, and then she changed her mind. The glasses gave her a headache, and she wanted a tumble track for gymnastics (instead) ( a better choice I believe!). DONE..she decided to return it and buy the tumble track.
We packaged it up neatly, and printed out the UPS label. Next, we dropped it off at the UPS store. Now, I go to a certain store all the time, but for some reason, we went to a different store this time. AND I did not get a receipt! (MY BAD) This was a Friday.
By Monday, I did not see that it had even been scanned by UPS. Tuesday..nothing. That is when I went into the store to see what could have happened. The woman at the counter scolded me for not getting a receipt, and told me it should be fine. She was not the nicest person…honestly she was a bit rude, and I just let it go.
Then, Wednesday, I went in again and I said to her,
Ma’am, it is just so weird! I know I should have gotten a receipt, but would anyone at your store be aware of this or could something of happened?
She then said,
You are accusing us of stealing!! I take offense to that.
Oh…boy, I didn’t mean that at all!
NO, I just am not sure what to do! I hope you can understand.
She did not…not at all. She gave me the number of the manager and I went on my way…I was shaking with frustration, hurt and anger. I called the manager and told the story. NO RESPONSE.
Well, when I got home, I told Tatum the story. Tatum was FURIOUS and said,
Mommy, I want to go in and talk to her! This is not OK!!
I hemmed and hawed as I felt this was really not for her to deal with. BUT SHE INSISTED>
OK. Here we go. We headed to the store and walked in.
Tatum went right up to the counter and told the woman the story of how she saved for this machine and where could it be? She also told the woman that “my mom would never be rude or accuse anyone of stealing.”
The woman was VERY rude back to Tatum, and I finally just said,
Here is my number if you find it. And Thank you.
WE LEFT>
Ok…HERE IS WHERE IT GETS GOOD.
I walk out to the parking lot with Tatum and this woman comes right up to me. (She was in the store and witnessed our interaction).
As she approached me, I felt like I was going to get a lecture about Tatum. I’m used to people telling me how to parent.
She says:
May I say something!? I have never ever ever seen anything like this!!
(I tightened up and waited for the other shoe to drop…How could I let me daughter do this..yada yada.)
BUT NO!!!
She continued: “This was the most AMAZING thing I have ever seen for your daughter. Mom, you should be proud. I’m a therapist and I couldn’t believe how brave your daughter is!!”
I started to tear up.
She spoke directly to Tatum:
Sweetie, you did such a brave thing standing up to that woman with such poise and kindness but with strength.
We chatted for a few minutes about ALL DAY EVERY DAY she works with kids who cannot even order a meal for themselves. SHE WAS SHOCKED and amazed. She even gave me her number. She said, “I’m going to call my mom right now and tell her this story. “
THIS IS WHEN I GOT IT. Even if the package was stolen, lost or gone, (And I lose $400), it was a HUGE lesson for Tatum. She learned to be strong in the midst of challenge and ANOTHER noticed. (I believe that this woman was a messenger from God) Tatum told me she isn’t scared of what people think because she is used to rejection and disappointment. This woman AFFIRMED Tatum and also made me see that I’m a good mom. (Tatum even said to the woman, “MY MOM IS THE BEST.”
Sometimes we need these reminders. He uses situations like this to teach us. I wouldn’t have prayed that I lose money to learn these things and to be reminded about how strong my kid is (and is becoming), but that is how God works…mysteriously.
Now, if it gets rectified, then great. If not, well, this was a day to be remembered.