Middleground

I was at the grocery store last week, and while I was going through the cash, I overheard the cashier speak to the lady behind me. I didn't bother to glance as I was busy loading my cart but I did over the cashier say "Bonjour, Aline... ca va bien? Avez-vous passez des bonnes vacances?" *translation: "Hi Aline, how are you? Did you have a nice summer vacation?"*

I finally glanced over and there was Aline Chretien, wife of long-time Canadian Prime Minister Jean. She looked so smart and elegant, yet not much different then the rest of us. At least in the way she was conducting herself. After all, she was doing the weekly household shopping and seemed to enjoy casual banter with the cashier. She even had a friendly smile for me.

I doubt many in the store even noticed that she was there, and if they did, I doubt they really cared. Can you imagine running into a present or former First Lady at Lowes or Price Chopper?

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