Thank you Mr. Tom

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused those who are employed in essential jobs to have to work harder, carry a heavier load and do more tasks, often with reduced hours. These individuals are also dealing with additional patrons inside of their establishments and putting themselves at risk of contracting the coronavirus. These men and women are unsung heroes who are not able to shelter in place and I salute each and every one of them. While cashiers in many businesses are now behind Plexiglas shields as a precaution, other workers have no choice but to be in contact with the public. Sometimes these overburdened employees complain to customers or to each other about their current situation while they are on company hours. There are others, however who maintain a professional attitude no matter what.

There is one man I continue to observe who has worked diligently without voicing complaints at least not in my hearing. He has been on his job for three decades in a retail establishment where I frequently shop. He has not missed a beat because of the pandemic and all the chaos happening around him and I believe he deserves special notice. He is known by patrons and fellow co-workers as Mr. Tom. I don’t know his official job title, but he has been stocking shelves at various local Family Dollar Stores for 30 years. Since the pandemic invaded the nation I have noticed that this dedicated employee has been doing double duty. One Friday afternoon about three weeks ago, I was shopping in Family Dollar around 1:30 in the afternoon and was amazed at how Mr. Tom conducted himself.

The truck that brings supplies had come in and the store was full of customers discussing how they were waiting for toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and or Lysol spray. Mr. Tom was bringing large boxes of products from the truck in through the back of the store. He was placing those boxes on the aisle where he would later take items out and place them on the appropriate shelves. I observed that Mr. Tom had no help and was lifting those heavy boxes and carrying them through the store alone. There were about 20 people standing around and as Mr. Tom walked by quite a few of the shoppers were questioning him. They wanted to know whether or not there would be hand sanitizer, toilet paper, or Lysol spray on this date. He answered each and every one of them calmly, as he continued to work.

This man maintained the same friendly demeanor he had displayed before Covid-19. If he sees a customer searching shelves he asks if he can help them locate a product, He never snaps or seems annoyed with those who are shopping and appears to value his job as well as the customers at Family Dollar. Even now with the sheltering in place, and consumers cleaning the shelves of certain products, Mr. Tom shows himself to be a diligent employee and a hard worker. As I pass by when he is opening boxes he always speaks as he continues to do his job. I can’t think of a time that I have ever seen him stop for a moment. In addition to the coronavirus bringing additional traffic through the store this location recently underwent remodeling. I myself, and others have had to ask where certain items are located as we learn the new order of the store.

Mr. Tom always helps out, even if he has to walk you to the shelf you are looking for. There is a nearby apartment complex and many of the residents seem to know and are fond of Mr. Tom. I shop in this particular Family Dollar three or four times a week because it’s close to my house. Sometimes I might go twice in one day. There are always people asking Mr. Tom questions about various products. More people shopping in this store now that others are establishments are closed. I observe that not everyone practices social distancing or wears a mask. These individual get up close to Mr. Tom and other employees putting them at risk. Even so Mr. Tom continue doing his job and I have watch rd the toilet paper disappear from the shelves within 20 minutes of him stocking it.

Unloading trucks, bringing large boxes into the store, cutting them open and stocking shelves is hard work and based on the fact that he’s worked this job for three decades zI would say Mr. Tom is over 55 and a senior citizen. Truthfully, what I saw him accomplish that day, should have been done by two men who were half his age. I admire his work ethic and his warm personality. I appreciate that he knows where things are located in the store and can direct customers to them. I’ve shopped in other establishments where no one could tell me if they had a certain item or whether or not it was in stock.

One day a few weeks back my oldest son mentioned on social media that he was able to find toilet paper at Family Dollar. I responded with a lol that he should not spread the word and have people making a mad run on Mr. Tom’s store. and messing up his hard work. Mr. Tom ‘s age and the fact that he is African American put him at a greater risk of contracting the coronavirus based on statistics. Even so he is dedicated to his job. He is an inspiration and it’s amazing to watch him working. I know there are others like him out their and my prayers are with them all. I hope they all make it safely through this situation, receive hazard pay and their employers will acknowledge how they are carrying us all during this difficult time. God bless all the Mr. Tom's out there keeping things going.