Earlier this week I came down with my first flu of the school year. I was bed and couch bound for much of this week, too weak to cook, clean, or do anything that I’d normally do in a busy day.
After a few days of resting and attempting to get better, my cupboards grew bare and my stomach was growling in hunger.
Once I regained enough strength to drive and get outside the house, I decided to visit my favourite market and pick up some premade meals, knowing that they would be nutritious and cheaper than ordering take-out for the next day or two.
I drove to the friendly and family-owned Mosborough Country Market, making the twenty minute trip, my mouth watering as I imagined filling my basket with all kinds of fresh produce and premade meals.
I arrived and began shopping, restraining myself enough to get only what I needed to survive a couple of days. After getting to the check-out and having my items rung up, I tapped my debit card, only to find a strange error on the screen. The note said something about too many pin attempts, so I called the bank.
It turns out my husband had taken my card earlier in the week and tried to pay with it, but continued to enter the wrong pin over and over again. My account was disabled and the only way to fix things was to get to the nearest bank account, which was not exactly nearby.
I had no other way to pay, the market didn’t accept credit cards, and I had no cash on me. I felt tears welling up, and started to try and problem solve my situation. I did not want to put the food back, but I felt defeated and wasn’t sure what I could do.
Soon after the debit card debacle, a woman came out from the back of the store, and told me to take the groceries and come back to pay later in the week. I couldn’t believe she would be so kind, and trusting. Another employee asked my name, and I shared. She responded by saying, “Oh! You’re the writer! I read your column.”
Now I was mortified. This wasn’t exactly my most shining moment, I was unwashed and disheveled, my face was tear-streaked and I was doing my best to remain composed. I felt so grateful for the kindness of these women, who clearly saw a mother that just needed to catch a break.
I loaded up my groceries, plopping my happy sixteen-month-old in her carseat, and tore into an apple as soon as I sat in the driver’s seat. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was, and savoured the apple that was provided by the kindness of others.
The generosity of Mosborough Country Market earned a warm spot in my heart, where I will always remember the day that they gave me the benefit of the doubt.
I’d highly recommend checking out this market, which offers fresh baked pies, breads, premade meals, quality meats, and all kinds of produce. Just make sure your debit card works before you get there!
Mosborough Country Market is located at 5284 Wellington Road 32.