Small Wonders:

I find it interesting that in such a populous area we fight so hard to avoid one another. Or maybe it’s just me, and you’re all finding ways to get together without inviting me.

That’s understandable.

But I have some advice for you. The next time you’re feeling like an ogre, go shopping at the Pavilion’s on Alameda Avenue in Burbank. Battle for a parking space. Go inside and find that you’ve forgotten your list, coupons and green bags. Crash carts with that lady who got the last L’Oréal Shimmering Color T53 hair treatment before you. Pick a dozen extra-large eggs that has only 11 good ones. Scream at your kids to get their hands out of the olive bar. Pick up some steaks and let the juice run down your arm and onto your pants. Smile through gritted teeth at the 23 clerks who will ask if you’re finding everything all right today.

And once you’ve run that grocery store gantlet, find the longest checkout line and stand in it. Chances are Barbara is the checker, and you’ll never get into anyone else’s line again.

I probably met Barbara a dozen times before I really met her. In a world where we interact with so many people on a daily basis yet know so few of them, she was just another checker at my local supermarket.

I was alone on this shopping trip. I don’t remember what I bought and wasn’t paying much attention to anyone around me. When it was my turn, the checker smiled broadly and acted as if we were long-lost friends.

“Hey! How are you? How are those two beautiful girls of yours?”

And I thought to myself, “Stalker?”

But no. This is Barbara. And she is about the friendliest person I’ve ever met. A warmth so sincere it’s shocking; it jolts you from the walking coma you’re in day by day. She’s genuinely kind, effusive and warm, though she admits to being a little shy, which I don’t believe.

Hers is not the corporate-mandated courtesy that clerks are forced to offer at supermarkets nowadays.

“No, I don’t need help to my car today, thanks. It’s just a pack of gum.”

And it isn’t just me. She’s like this with everyone in her line and many who aren’t. When it’s your turn in Barbara’s line, you just want to pull up a chair and stay for a while.