Published: September 17, 2009 10:52 pm      

She’s a good customer

It’s that time of year. You know when students canvass their neighborhoods, their church members, the offices of their parents, the grandparents, or any likely buyer in order to sell their goods to benefit their schools or other activities. Oh, I've bought gift wrapping paper, a Boston Butt, magazines, note cards, Christmas cards, cookie dough, candy, salsa, chances to win lots of stuff, and coupons for almost anything imaginable in order to help the little ones. I think I should emphasize that all of the monies collected by the students benefit the schools, the scouts, church youth groups, sports teams, and community clubs -- great investments, don't you think?

So, I was concluding another transaction last week (I bought a lovely mother/daughter apron set) when the salesperson, a student from West Lauderdale Elementary School, questioned, “Last week, did you buy a Boston Butt and candy from some kids who live around the corner?” I nodded the affirmative. He continued, “Well, they told me that you are a good customer.”

I don't think that I have ever had a better recommendation!

I must tell you a little more about the dual-selling-team. They were brothers and the older one was definitely in charge. After he made his Boston Butt pitch (for the Boy Scouts), and very professionally, I must add, and I signed the dotted line and wrote my check, he commented, “I think you will be very happy with your order. I understand the meat is very tasty.” All of this time, the younger brother was waiting patiently to convince me to order candy from his school (St. Patrick's Elementary). With a nod from his older brother’s head, the little one began his turn. He handed me the order form, and indicated that each selection was a good choice. I mean how could I go wrong?

Oh, the children thought that I was paying for the wonderful-must-have merchandise, and, yes -- that's true, but, actually, I would have paid for this special time with them -- just to hear their presentations, and witness private enterprise at work in their young minds. Yes, I certainly would have paid to have seen that, but it came free with our business transactions.

Later in the week, we were invited to take dinner with our son, his wife, and the grands. We met at a local restaurant, and when we arrived the youngest whipped out his order form. Yes, it was the same cookie dough order form that I had seen earlier in the week, but I took the form from his little hands with great excitement and anticipation. Pe Paw and I read the form carefully while he sat close by to catch each word. We finally made our selection, completed the form, and handed it back to our little one. He looked confused. I mean where was the money? I realized that I had left my checkbook in the car, and when I explained to him that I didn't have my checkbook, he grabbed the order form and announced with a glare in his eyes, “No-o-o money. No-o-o cookies!”

I don't blame the little fellow. Rule number one with any moneymaking transaction is to NEVER loan money to a relative, now isn't it? I think he has that gut instinct. I foresee him as a money-making-mogul and CEO of a huge corporate conglomerate, barking orders, and signing worldwide contracts, and it all started with a cookie dough transaction when he wouldn't allow his Me Maw a credit line. Sigh.

Yes, I can see a little bit of my daddy there. I think daddy could have sold ice cubes in Alaska. He always delivered what he promised, and he ALWAYS got the money.

So, allow me to encourage YOU to become a good customer as well, within your limits, of course. Support the schools, the scouts, the church groups, community clubs, sports teams, and any organization where children are taught with integrity and encouraged to do their best, to respect the laws of the land, to set worthwhile goals -- strengthened with great perseverance, kindness, and generosity. These are our children, and our best hope for the future. It's OUR Mississippi future!

Oh, yes, the Boston Butt arrived Saturday, and it was very tasty, just as my salesperson said. I am a very satisfied customer – a good customer, indeed!

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Note: Dear readers, please join me tomorrow, Saturday, September 19, (Noon-3:00 pm) at Books-A-Million, Meridian, as I sign my latest publication (a nice hardback book) “Historic Photos of Mississippi.” The photos are dated between 1860 and 1970, all are original and beautifully reproduced by an award-winning publisher based in Nashville. I think you will be excited to see so many original photos from the Meridian area included in the book.



Anne McKee is a writer and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission, as a dramatic and literary artist, storyteller, and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi.