A Connection in a Furniture Store

Shopping for a sofa unexpectedly became a lesson in kindness for Dave and Mercedes Rizzo and their daughter.

We needed a new sofa, and we found ourselves in a furniture store we had not shopped in before. As we entered the store, we were immediately greeted by a saleswoman named Val. She began showing us the sofas that were available. We were shopping with our adult daughter Danielle, who has autism. Danielle was not happy at all that day. She was agitated and making it hard for us to concentrate on selecting a sofa.    

We explained to Val that Danielle was having a bad day. She told us that she understood completely because she had been the guardian for her brother since their parents passed away.

Sharing Stories and Understanding 

Val shared that when she became the guardian for her brother, the owner the furniture store allowed her brother to come to the store in the late afternoon when he had finished his adult day program. She was grateful for this because this accommodation allowed her to continue working there as her brother could not be home alone. We knew that feeling so well!

Val showed us an area in the store where her brother would sit and do various things while he waited for her to finish her shift at the store. This was the break area for the employees who worked there. It had chairs and a countertop with a coffee maker. Val’s brother called this area his desk. He kept his personal items like puzzles and coloring books there. Val even showed us the great big chair her brother liked to sit in.  

Val’s brother considered himself an employee. Val explained that when pay envelopes were given out, she would take ten dollars out of her pocketbook and put it in an envelope for her brother, who was happy to be paid. Val spoke very highly of her employer, who had done so much for her brother and for her, which made it much easier for her to continue working there. People who are in the situation of caring for others know how difficult the balance of life and work can be.   

As we tried to shop, Danielle continued to be bothered and agitated. Whenever we had to turn our attention to Danielle, Val would let us know she understood. We realized we had to take Danielle home, but not before we took Val’s business card and said that we would be back. 

We Knew She Was a Blessing to Us 

A couple of days later, when one of our other kids was able to stay with Danielle, we returned to the furniture store and asked for Val. She came over with a big smile on her face, happy to continue showing us the furniture. We found a lovely sofa. Toward the end of our time there, Val’s brother arrived. He was a few years younger than Val and he happened to be celebrating his birthday that day. We were very happy to meet him.

Sure enough, when he left us, he walked over to the break area and poured himself a cup of coffee. We paid for the order, said goodbye to Val, and returned home. Val told us that the sale from us was a true blessing to her. However, we knew that she was a blessing to us and that we were going to give the sale to her the moment she told us her story.   

Always Be Kind 

We really appreciated Val and were glad to give her our business. She was understanding and courteous. She knew how hard it could be when your loved one with special needs is not feeling or behaving well. She encouraged us with the kindness she showed Danielle. Meeting Val and her brother was an unexpected joy. Hearing how Val’s employer went out of his way to help Val and her brother made us feel good. There is a saying that goes, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind always.” That is a good reminder to show kindness whenever possible.  

There was a lot of kindness shown in that furniture store. The owner showed kindness to Val and her brother. Val showed kindness to Danielle and to us. We felt this kindness, and that was the deciding factor in making our purchase there. Something as ordinary as shopping for a sofa became a lesson in kindness. 

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Copyright 2025 David and Mercedes Rizzo
Images: (top, bottom) Canva; (center) copyright 2025 David and Mercedes Rizzo, all rights reserved.