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My Senior Citizen Discount Was Revoked!

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My local, small-town grocery store took away my senior citizen discount, and I am overjoyed about it!

Small town, small grocery store

I live in a very small rural area of North Carolina, and our little grocery store has Senior Citizen Discount Day every Wednesday where everyone over 55 years-old gets 10% off their groceries. It’s a great little deal, if you’re in your mid-fifties and older, which I’m not.

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A number of years ago, I started dropping in to pick up a few items at least once a week, because it’s such a neat little store and it was close to my office.

Senior citizen discount

I was unaware of the Wednesday senior citizen discount until I happened to stop by on a Wednesday and was asked by the cashier if I get the discount.

When I inquired about which discount she was referring to and she told me, I embarrassingly managed to stutter, “Not quite yet.”

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It would have been easier on me if the cashier was a young teenager, because they sometimes have trouble judging age. To them, all adults look ancient.

However, this cashier, without question, qualified for the discount herself, and I could tell she was a little hesitant to ask but didn’t want to deny me the discount if I qualified for it, which at 44 years old at that time, I did not.

Embarrassed and sad

I left the store with my pack of ground hamburger and a flushed face.

Sadly, that was not the last time the Wednesday Senior Citizen Discount nearly ruined my day. There were a number of occasions later that I was not asked, but noticed as I left the store and looked at my receipt, I had indeed received the 10% discount without questioning.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love a discount. But not a senior citizen discount….10 years early!

Feeling old in my 30’s

At that time I knew I looked older, because I felt much older. I was 44 years old, nearly 50 lbs. overweight, and suffering from increasingly painful and swollen joints, as well as other health issues that had started around age 35 and were progressively worsening.

My mother has debilitating rheumatoid arthritis and other serious health issues that started for her around my age. I was terrified I was heading down that same path, but after numerous doctors’ visits and blood tests, I still had no answers for my declining health.

Forks Over Knives Documentary

I decided to investigate some nutritional options. My daughter recommended the documentary, Forks Over Knives, which I watched February 12, 2013–the day my life changed.

From that film, I learned how a plant-based, whole-food lifestyle heals the body and, for the first time, the link between nutrition and health made complete sense to me. The answer had been there all along, but I didn’t know it.

Regaining health

Since that time, I’ve resolved my inflamed and painful joints, lowered my cholesterol from 220 to 141 dropped over 50 lbs, resolved adult acne that previously required prescription medication, and recovered from sleeping issues.

These days when I drop by the grocery store on Wednesdays, there’s never a question as to whether I get the senior citizen discount.

Now, the only question I get is, “What in the world are you doing to look so much younger?”

As much as I love a good deal, that’s one discount I’m glad was taken away from me for now.

When I do turn 55, I plan for them to have to card me to prove I’m old enough. How’s THAT for turning the hands of time back!

Recommended books and resources found HERE.

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Liz Dyer

Wednesday 26th of September 2018

First, you look fabulous and radiant and years younger. I live in Murphy, NC and have osteoarthritis in my hands. Are there certain foods that should be avoided for inflammation? I have been plant based for about 4 1/2 months and have lots of improvement in my other health issues, but none in the inflammation area. I do know that corn is a trigger for me.

EatPlant-Based.com

Thursday 27th of September 2018

Liz, it's terrific to hear that you are 4-1/2 months into your plant-based journey! There are so many foods that could be triggers. Sometimes doing an elimination diet is the only way to know which ones are affecting you. This article might be helpful. http://www.wholefoodsplantbasedhealth.com.au/tag/elimination-diet/

Candice

Monday 17th of April 2017

Terri, I was tickled to see your little local grocer is an IGA! That's what I have in my small rural community, too! I am on a first name basis with the produce manager, I LOVE their prices and quality, and never fail to thank and compliment any of the workers in the produce section. One day the produce manager asked me about all the greens, etc, I was loading into my cart. I told him a little about my WFPB lifestyle, and he lit up like Christmas. It turns out, his son who is battling health issues, has begun eating PB and having very good results. It's wonderful to hear little stories like that from our own communities; it just proves, the movement is ON!!! Thanks to dedicated people like yourself, with great online sites to help us out, we are DOING IT - one person at a time, changing our world for the better. THANK YOU!!!

EatPlant-Based.com

Monday 17th of April 2017

Candice, I do love our little IGA in Tryon, NC! You're right that the hometown feel is priceless. It makes me think of Andy Griffith and Mayberry, and I love it. Thanks so much for sharing your experience as well. You gave a great ending to my Monday!

Jj

Monday 17th of April 2017

What's the name of your blog?

EatPlant-Based.com

Monday 17th of April 2017

EatPlant-Based.com is my website with Food for Life class information, and the blog is blog.EatPlant-Based.com. They are linked together, so visitors can move between them with ease.

Lucille Turpin

Tuesday 27th of October 2015

You look gorgeous, Terry! What a difference! Wow!

Terri

Tuesday 27th of October 2015

You're so sweet, Lucille! Thanks so much!

Carol Jarness

Thursday 23rd of July 2015

OOPS! My last name is Harness...not Jarness