Ode to a Bag Man

In this world, not to sound too cynical, there are very few things we can rely on to be steady, reliable and consistent. To be the same day in, day out. Even here in rural Ohio where change comes a bit more slowly than it does in the rest of the world, change still happens. Yesterday, one of the mainstays of life here in Ada retired.

For the last 40 years, Fred Evans has cheerfully bagged groceries and helped people to their cars at Ada's Community Market. Before there were scanners, before there was "paper or plastic", there was Fred. When I returned to Ada after a fifteen year hiatus, many things had changed, but I was heartened to see Fred still bagging groceries, still pleasant and cheerful.

Yesterday Fred retired. A steady crowd of Ada-ites made their way to the produce department to eat punch and cake, sign a guestbook, and wish Fred well.

P.S. I know I could have taken this in a whole different direction, but I'm feeling a bit melancholy this morning. Maybe it's hormones. Maybe I'm coming down from my punch and cake buzz.

P.P.S. Please feel free to send in caption suggestions for the photo.