There are very few things that bother me more than when I have to go grocery shopping. There’s so much walking and too many aisles to count. 

But don’t even get me started on waiting in lines at the store. When I was younger, I would always stay in the car and let my mom shop so that I wouldn’t have to stand behind crowds of people to wait for our turn. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, so my days of waiting in the car during shopping trips are over. Darn. 

My brother Mitchell and I went to the store this past week. I am really thankful that he goes with me because at my slow pace I would struggle to get out of the store before midterm exams begin. 

The first line that I stood in was at the deli. The line was long, but nothing was going to stop me from getting my pepperoni and provolone.

However, I had to wait a very long time to get my meat and cheese. There was an older man in front of me that had on a green plaid shirt, and he looked like he had put in a hard days work. He placed a huge order, so I just stood there staring at the buns to pass the time as I waited for my turn. My legs were beginning to ache, but I was willing to pay the price for my much awaited deli order.

Once I got to the front of the line I asked for my order. The worker went to the back to get my fresh pepperoni. I was grinning from ear to ear as my mouth watered.

After I got my food, I met Mitchell in the middle of the store. He managed to get everything on the list. I am incredibly thankful for him because the walking and standing is exhausting. Grocery shopping involves lots of moving, bending and stretching. If I didn’t have him there I would’ve been there forever. 

We finished shopping in less than thirty minutes, but guess what? Now I had to wait in line at the register. In the words of the great Winnie The Pooh, ‘Oh Bother.’ I waited in the line as patiently as possible. 

I checked out the candy aisle and nearly grabbed a package of chocolate covered pretzels. However, I refrained because I knew that the dessert would’ve wiped out all of my positive calorie burning that I had done throughout the day. 

But sometimes the greatest part of the journey to the grocery store has nothing to do with food. I am grateful that Mitchell went with me to the store in the first place. We often think that it’s important to not “sweat the small stuff” in negative situations. Well, I also think that it is important to cherish the good times. I am happy that I get to use grocery shopping to boost our brotherly bond/friendship. We are both so busy that we barely get to see each other during the week. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but going grocery shopping on that day was quite fun. 

Mitchell and I grabbed Raising Cane’s on our way back to our apartment, so I think it’s safe to say that this was a good day. Even if I did have to persevere standing in line numerous times. It was worth every minute of inconvenience just to spend some quality one-on-one time with my brother.

Michael Reiner is a columnist. Contact him at [email protected].