Growing older is never easy, particularly after the death of a loved one. Losing a partner can cause excruciating pain and leave one feeling utterly alone.
The only thing that kept Bernard Thompson going after his wife’s death was his work at the grocery store. It held those empty feelings at bay and allowed him to remain in touch with the outside world. He had no idea that someone would soon arrive and alter his world again.
[wp_video_player src=”https://cdn.plyr.io/static/demo/View_From_A_Blue_Moon_Trailer-576p.mp4″ ad=”https://optimized-by.rubiconproject.com/a/api/vast.xml?account_id=22554&site_id=584608&zone_id=3729102&size_id=201&p_aso.video.protocols=2,5,3,6,7,8,11,12,13,14&p_aso.video.maxduration=60&p_aso.video.mimes=application/javascript,video/3gpp,video/mp4,video/webm&p_aso.video.playbackmethod=2&p_aso.video.api=2,7,8,9″]
Meet Bernard Thompson
Bernard Thompson was a proud Midwesterner who was ninety-three years old. He had spent his entire life in Omaha, Nebraska. To augment his pension, Bernard, who had previously worked in agriculture, took a job in a supermarket at the age of 70 and has been there ever since.
Bernard only needed a consistent routine, hearty meals, and his favorite sturdy boots to be happy, but a tragedy had left him in shock. He never would have imagined that his life would be thrown into chaos once more.
Devastating Loss
Maggie, Bernard’s wife, passed away from a stroke shortly after he turned 89. After more than 70 years together as high school sweethearts, Bernard felt completely lost without her. Bernard was left alone in the house after the funeral since his only daughter, Nancy, who lived far away in Australia, was unable to visit for very long.
Even though he missed her every day, he continued to go to work every day, keep the house tidy, and see friends because he knew Maggie wouldn’t have wanted him to deteriorate in her absence. He had no idea that everything was going to change.
Working at 93 Years Old
Bernard worked in a small, welcoming supermarket with regular customers who visited nearly daily. Bernard knew everyone by name after 23 years there. He spent eight hours a day scanning items as a cashier.
He loved the variety of seeing what each client had placed in their basket that day, as well as the bustle of working in a supermarket. He was meticulous and cautious, always making sure that people were getting the greatest bargain and never overcharging them. He was ninety-three, but he had no intention of retiring. But Bernard’s life wasn’t always simple.
Slowing Down
These days, Bernard was a little slower than he used to be. The supermarket had installed a new touchscreen scanning system, and he hadn’t quite gotten to grips with it. His hands were shaky, and sometimes, he had to pass something two or three times across the scanner before it registered.
Bernard knew he occasionally slowed things down, and he didn’t like feeling like a burden. He was resolved to keep trying his best and convince the young ones that there was life in him yet. He was unaware that his manager’s opinions on what was best for him differed greatly.
Beloved By All
Customers didn’t mind waiting a bit longer to be serviced by Bernard, the supermarket’s most adored cashier, despite his slow work rate. He always greeted them warmly, noted small information about each individual, and asked about their families.
He would give them gardening advice, compliment them on their tomato or peach selection, and always wave them off with a friendly grin. Even though it took a bit longer, having Bernard serve them made everyone’s day. But underlying this commonplace joy, a surprising shift was subtly developing.
Spark of Joy
At the grocery, Bernard knew that people liked to see him, and since Maggie was dead, it was the only thing that made him happy. He was able to engage with others, which lessened his feelings of isolation.
If he couldn’t go to work, he knew he would spend his days at home by himself, with only the television for companionship. Sure, he could meet some old buddies at a diner once a week or go to the senior center on Fridays, but it wasn’t the same as working at the grocery and being a valued part of society. He hoped to keep working until he was able to join Maggie. But everything was going to change one day.
No Regular Morning
As usual, Bernard prepared for work one chilly morning. After putting on a sweater and slacks and brushing his hair with water, he proudly affixed his name badge to his chest. Even if she wasn’t there to make sure he was presentable, Maggie had always enjoyed it when he looked good, and he wasn’t going to disappoint her.
He nodded to the locals he recognized as customers as he made his way the three blocks to the grocer. As far as Bernard was concerned, it was just another typical morning.
The Manager’s Office
But Bernard’s manager came up to him as soon as he got to the supermarket and was ready to punch in with his timecard. Andy Abrams, the supermarket’s manager, was a man in his thirties who was relatively new to the position but had a lot of ideas about how to update the store.
Although Bernard made a concerted effort to be friendly, he was concerned that Andy might view him as a deadweight. “Mr. Thompson, after you hang up your coat, could you come see me in my office?” Andy asked in a phony upbeat tone. Beneath his smile, Bernard could see that he was nervous.
Filled With Dread
With fear in his heart, Bernard made his way to the staff cloakroom. He had never before been summoned to the manager’s office, and he couldn’t fathom why he would be brought in. When Andy was observing him, he had made a concerted effort to quicken things, but he was aware that the young guy had observed his unsteady hands and difficulty learning the new approach.
With his heart racing, he walked slowly in the direction of the office. Andy was probably going to reprimand him. He was afraid to consider the alternative.
Bad News
Bernard knocked timidly on the door, and Andy responded, “Come in and sit down, Mr. Thompson.” Still feeling quite uneasy, Bernard followed instructions. “All right, let’s get right to the point. I’ve been doing my hardest to increase the supermarket’s profitability, but as a result, I’m having to make some budget concessions,” he started.
“Mr. Thompson, you are much older than the typical retirement age at this company, and I believe it is my responsibility to ensure you enjoy your golden years. I hope you understand that we have decided to let you go,” he concluded solemnly. His remarks pierced her heart like a knife.
Walk of Shame
Andy was adamant that he was simply acting in Bernard’s and the store’s best interests, despite Bernard’s protests and even his offer to work for free. Bernard walked out of the office with a sorrowful heart.
He proceeded around the store, feeling his colleagues’ pitying looks searing him. There were a few coworkers who even had a twinkle in their eyes, as though happy to see him sunk so low. It seems that even his pal Lou was trying not to smile. Never in his life had he felt so embarrassed.
Real Reason for Being Fired
Bernard couldn’t stand to be there any longer, even though Andy had promised to let him stay for the remainder of the day. After nearly twenty-five years of employment at the store, he was abruptly fired due to “budget cuts.” He was aware that his age was the true cause, but Andy refused to acknowledge it.
Previously a snap, the three blocks to his house suddenly felt like a marathon. He hung his head when people nodded or waved to him this time. He was aware that loneliness was the only thing waiting for him at home.
Feeling Devastated
Bernard sighed deeply as he slumped creakily into his chair at home. He was so internally saddened that he felt ashamed. How could a menial job in a store have meant so much to a farmer? It had been much more than a job, though.
He placed the phone down again after picking it up to call his friend. When he was in this state, he didn’t want anyone to see him. When night fell, he remained in the chair for hours without even getting up to close the blinds or cook some food.
No Meaning
A profound sense of emptiness gradually overcame Bernard. The refrigerator’s soft hum was the sole sound, a lonesome reminder of the silence that had taken the place of Maggie’s warmth and laughter. He gazed at the TV, the flickering light hardly able to fill the void inside of him.
The house felt even more chilly and empty as the ticking clock appeared to emphasize his silence. In the silence that surrounded him, Bernard found it difficult to find any meaning—who was he without his job and Maggie? And now what was he going to do?
Turning to Maggie
However, a picture of Maggie on the mantlepiece caught Bernard’s melancholy gaze as it wandered about the room. She was still vibrant, with a big smile and bright eyes, when it was taken, in her seventies. The Maggie in the picture appeared to move as he watched, turning to face him directly.
“What should I do, Mags?” he pleaded with her. Maggie’s response was comforting and warm in Bernard’s thinking. “Bernie, you’ve always had the fortitude to handle every situation that arises. Remember that your heart still has so much to offer, keep moving forward, and find happiness in the small things. Maggie’s remarks had taken effect by the time Bernard woke up the following morning.
The Next Morning
The crushing weight that had fallen on his chest during his meeting with Andy had slightly lightened, but he was still depressed. He was no longer employed, but that didn’t mean he was going to die at home.
He was a popular man in the town, and he was certain that his clients would miss their brief conversations with him. Andy might even encounter criticism for dismissing him. He felt he could continue as long as Maggie’s affection remained close to him. And he was fully aware of his first course of action.
Head Held High
Bernard prepared to go. Despite not wearing his name badge pinned to his chest, he nonetheless wore his clothes with pride and care. He had to buy food, and he had no intention of sneaking out of his old place of employment. With his head held high, he would enter the store right away.
He noticed that his step was becoming lighter as he moved. Not having to go to work every day could even be enjoyable. After all, he was ninety-three, so perhaps a little rest was in order. The supermarket’s sliding doors opened as he got there, and he walked in as steadily as he could.
People Whisper
Bernard’s colleagues looked worried when they saw him. He assumed that they weren’t expecting him to return so quickly and were embarrassed by their disrespectful responses from yesterday. They even began whispering to one another.
His friend Lou came up to him as he began walking down the first aisle, glancing at his handwritten grocery list. “What are you doing here, Bernie, hon? She began to reply, “We all assumed you wouldn’t be in today—” when Bernard cut her off. Lou, I’m back. He declared with pride, “I’m not going to hide; I’ve worked here for more than 20 years, and I deserve some respect.” Bernard saw someone else just as Lou was going to respond.
Manager’s Reaction
As Bernard emerged from the staff area at the rear of the store, he noticed Andy, the manager, rushing about and seemed stressed. Andy’s face went white when he spotted him, much to Bernard’s delight. He appeared as though he’d seen a ghost.
After glaring at him, Bernard turned his attention to the shelves and selected several packets of his favorite cookies. He recalled lovingly that Maggie had also enjoyed them. Suddenly, he heard a faint tap on his shoulder.
Most Loyal Employee
“Mr. Thompson?” Andy said, showing up beside Bernard. The ninety-three-year-old guy stood up straight, inhaled deeply, and prepared to express his feelings to his youthful former manager.
But Andy sliced through him. The manager stammered, recognizing he had to clarify, “Mr. Thompson, you were our most devoted employee, and we loved having you work here.” Bernard was perplexed. Why had they allowed him to leave without even a warning if they had so highly prized his loyalty?
Spoiling the Surprise
Bernard saw that Andy was acting shady and that the majority of the grocery staff were feigning busyness while keeping a close eye on the conversation. Some of them even appeared happy or eager, just like yesterday.
Andy let out a sigh. “Hey, Mr. Thompson, you weren’t supposed to be here today. He said, “I guess it’s ruined anyway, so you might as well know. It was supposed to be a surprise.” Bernard was more perplexed than before. He said sternly, “Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?”
Someone Unexpected
Andy started to say something, but the small bell tinkled as a new client entered the store. Bernard turned his head involuntarily to check which of his neighbors had entered.
His heart leaped when he saw who it was. Unable to talk, he began mouthing, and Andy gave him a shoulder pat. His coworkers were grinning and observing him. This clarified all of their peculiar actions from yesterday. From the corner of her eye, Lou brushed away a tear. How did they manage to do this?
The Reunion
Nancy, the daughter of Bernard and Maggie, had entered the supermarket. Since Maggie’s passing, Bernard had struggled to stay in touch with Nancy, who had been in Australia for almost 30 years.
She was here now, approaching him steadily, tears in her eyes and a big smile on her tanned face. “Hello, Dad,” she said joyfully as she gave him a tight hug. Nancy appeared youthful and robust, even though she was already well into her sixties. Bernard clung to his daughter. This time, he had a valid cause for feeling overwhelmed.
Revealing the Truth
Bernard turned to Andy after they had released each other. With his head spinning, he questioned, “How did this happen?” Andy turned back to Bernard after giving Nancy an embarrassed smile. “Mr. Thompson, we knew you would never give up. You’ve been a loyal employee for years, but you’ve earned time to rest. “We just wanted to push you,” he said.
Bernard, still perplexed, stared at him. We got in touch with Nancy after realizing how much you missed your kid. We believed that spending time with her was the finest approach to encourage you to calm down and appreciate life,” he added. Nancy squeezed Bernard’s hand. “Dad, it’s time to prioritize your family.”
First Class Tickets
Lou brought up an envelope, and Andy nodded and grinned. “We didn’t stop with Nancy. The entire community, including your consumers, wanted to do something unique. We all pitched in and purchased first-class tickets for you and Nancy to return to Australia. Bernard’s jaw dropped.
Lou put the envelope in his shaking hands and continued, “You’ll finally get to meet your grandchildren and great-grandchildren in person.” Stunned, Bernard gazed at it. “First-class? For me?” he inquired. Andy gave a nod. Bernard, you’ve contributed so much to this store. We now have the opportunity to return the favor.
The Applause
Bernard listened to every word and was too filled with appreciation to realize that the entire supermarket had gone silent. When Andy finished speaking, the entire staff and customer base erupted in cheers. Bernard noticed that everything was for him. Nancy began clapping along with Lou and Andy.
His heart swelled with pride as he felt Maggie beside him. He had felt his life falling apart all over again for a full day. It turned out that significant changes were coming, but they were better than he could have ever dreamed.
Heading to Australia
Bernard and Nancy were traveling to Sydney, Australia, only a few weeks later. They were both enjoying the opulent amenities, but Bernard had hardly ever flown before, much less sat in first class.
Bernard grinned to himself as he squeezed his daughter’s hand. If only he were now visible to Maggie. When she was alive, they had stuck to their routine and hadn’t been very adventurous, but now he was leaving for Australia. She would be overjoyed, he knew.
Golden Years
Bernard discovered that the warmth and joy he had been lacking were all around him in Australia. He reminisced about his time in Nebraska with his grandchildren on bright mornings in the garden. His great-grandchildren’s cheeks lit up as they listened to his soft Midwestern lilt, and they clambered onto his lap, ready to hear more.
Like he and Maggie used to do, Nancy took him around her house, and they cooked together. On the weekends, they went to the beach, where Bernard took his first dip in the sea. These were his best years, full of love, family, and the happiness he believed he had lost forever.
Looking to the Future
Bernard believed that his job as a cashier at the neighborhood grocery was the only thing that made life worthwhile after the death of his wife, Maggie. He felt hollow and unworthy after being abruptly let go. Only when he returned the following day did he realize that all was not as it seemed and that the redundancy was a part of a larger scheme to make him happy and reunite him with his daughter.
We’re delighted that Bernard’s community came together to support him in starting a new chapter full of love and laughter, demonstrating that life can still surprise us with fresh starts even as we approach our senior years.
