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FORT LEE, Va. (April 6, 2017) -- Tears formed in Lois Grant’s eyes upon hearing the news she had been selected as the subject for a post newspaper article.
The emotional reaction solidified her place among the quintessential candidates for a story series focused on “behind the scenes” workers – the people who quietly and contently do their jobs day-after-day and are deeply appreciative of moments when people step forward and say, “thank you, we recognize what you do for this community.”
In Grant’s case, the interview recommendation by her supervisor left her feeling “an overwhelming sense of gratitude.” In her tear-filled eyes, she had been unexpectedly elevated to celebrity status with an all-peer fan base that made her feel special.
As a senior sales associate with 17 years under her Army and Air Force Exchange Service belt, Grant presents a comfortable and friendly demeanor as she serves patrons from behind the customer service, checkout or jewelry counters at the Lee store.
The latter of the three is where she spends most of her time at work, and it doesn’t take long to notice “bling” is her thing. The piercings along the back of her ears are adorned with silver beads and dangly hoops. On her left hand, she wears an assortment of rings. A bejeweled eyeglass strap also is part of her ensemble.
However, Grant’s connection with Fort Lee customers isn’t just sales related. The eight-year Army veteran once served as a supply specialist (1979-1986), traveling to duty stations in Korea, Texas and elsewhere.
“I was never stationed at Fort Lee, which actually was OK with me because I grew up in Dinwiddie County and Petersburg and wanted to experience life away from home,” she said. “I was always optimistic about everywhere I went. I told myself I was going to enjoy the experience and see it as an opportunity for personal growth. I didn’t let it work me, I worked it.”
After the military, she married and started raising a family. She brought into this world a set of twin girls and later a son. When her husband passed away, she took the job at the Fort Lee Exchange to continue supporting her family. Today, her kids are grown and she has three grandchildren.
Other moments of challenge and triumph also have shaped Grant’s character and courage. She recalled the words of her sister – “Do what you can do now, because tomorrow is not promised” – who passed away in 2008 from breast cancer.
“I had gone through something similar as well,” Grant said. “I’m a cancer survivor who has been in remission for 11 years. Having cancer was quite an experience for me. I thought the worst, but I had to change my way of thinking. My sister went through a whole lot more than me. I don’t think I could have fought what I saw her endure.”
Her sister also went into remission for 11 years, but the cancer came back spreading to her organs. Grant said she learned from her courage, and it made her humble. “I have no right to rumble,” she observed. “Every day is a blessing to be alive.”
Fate tested that belief once again in 2016 when Grant experienced a severe asthma attack, which left her fighting for her life. The doctor told her kids she wasn’t going to make it. She spoke about being in a deep sleep while she was in an intensive care unit for nine days. When she awoke, she had no idea what had happened. She knew her kids, but didn’t know where she was or how long she was unconscious. During her recovery, she couldn’t feed herself and was barely able to move.
“I fought hard to come back,” she said. “I am a fighter. I got more that I want to do. I believe God is directing my path, and I count on that faith to push me forward. I want to please him.”
From that standpoint, Grant’s “path” could be inspiring and helping others. She recalled a recent encounter at the Exchange that again confirmed her belief that an optimistic and caring approach to life is the right way to go.
“This one customer was looking for something special to give his wife who was expecting their first child,” she recalled. “He had selected a gift, but I asked him if I could show him something else he would possibly like better. I showed him a Saint Junipero Serra pendant that was associated with motherhood. I explained the meaning behind it, and shared some thoughts about what a woman goes through (during pregnancy).
“He loved it,” Grant continued. “He wrote a four page letter about that day. It was something I wasn’t expecting at all. The letter went all the way up to headquarters, and I still have a copy I read now and then. I felt we really established a bond.
“By the way, I saw him after the baby was born,” Grant interjected. “He stood in the middle of the store, and when I looked up, I knew the face. He asked, ‘do you remember me?’ I said, ‘I sure do,’ and we hugged. It was such a joy.
“I like to treat people the way any of us would want to be treated,” Grant observed. “If I do my best to give people respect, that’s what I will get in return. Also, if there is any way to help someone, that’s what I’m obligated to do in my opinion.”
Grant said retirement is on her horizon, but insisted she’s not the “stay-at-home” type. “I will always work as long as I’m able to; just not as hard or as much,” she concluded. “I know there is more to this journey, and I want to stay busy.”
This is the fourth installment of a Traveller story series focusing on the individuals who work “behind the scenes” at our post shopping, dining and recreational facilities.
| Date Taken: | 04.06.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 04.06.2017 15:51 |
| Story ID: | 229438 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, A hidden gem -- sales clerk brings sparkle to exchange patrons' lives, by Lesley Atkinson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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