You are on page 1of 4

Nimike Aruwajoye

October 28th, 2016


5th Period
Observation Essay

Observations of a Privately Owned Pharmacy

The time on my iPhone reads 10:52 a.m. when I finally arrive at my uncles privately

owned pharmacy on an early Saturday morning. Pulling the hefty sized door open with a slight

tug, I am instantly hit with a recognizable scent consisting of anesthetics and the aroma of his

vanilla sugar candles that were constantly burning. As I deeply inhale the aroma slowly, it

washes over me like a warm welcoming blanket, its relaxing. Walking further into the building,

I greet my uncle who is dressed in his white lab coat and reading glasses that are slightly perched

on the bridge of his nose with a polite Good morning. I immediately make my way over to the

waiting area that he has set up for his clients and customers. The chairs are arranged in a neat

formation against a wall that reads in massive font Rehoboth Pharmacy. The Pharmacy like No

Other. Underneath the wording is a picture of a mortar and pestle and written in small cursive

writing is a quote that I never really paid any attention to.

The bell on the door chimes in a rhythmical manner indicating that someone has

just arrived. I sit up straight, as I watch a petite Hispanic woman dressed in a casual everyday

outfit; the typical denim blue jeans and a t-shirt. As her figure moves closer and closer, I can tell

that shes one of his regulars by the way she easily maneuvers her way through the shop

arriving at the main counter effortlessly. She glances at me briefly and gives a small tight-lipped

smile as though being happy is the last thing on her mind. I respond back with an awkward side

smile as well. Just from staring at her, it's easy to pinpoint that something is disturbing her. As

she turns her body to speak with her pharmacist, my uncle as well notices the negative vibes

oozing from her body language and comes from behind the counter in a swift motion. Sweeping

her into his arms as she suddenly breaks down into loud sobs that withheld so many emotions
Nimike Aruwajoye
October 28th, 2016
5th Period
Observation Essay

and thoughts that she was scared to speak of. I sit quietly watching the whole ordeal before my

eyes, not really sure if I should leave them to have their privacy or just stay put.

Within the next couple minutes, her sobs begin to subside and she pulls herself together

to explain her reasoning for the sudden outburst. As her breathing rate falls back to its normal

pulse, she takes a deep breath before she begins muttering in a low voice saying, I didnt know

that the date was approaching so rapidly, no one told me it would be this hard. I didnt even have

time to prepare and now, now shes gone! It seemed that as soon as the words fell from her

chapped lips my uncle immediately knew that she speaking of the unanticipated death of her

beloved mother. He responded firstly by giving his condolences, then shaking his head and in a

sympathizing fashion he continued on saying, Maria, nothing couldve prepared you for this.

But, now that things have taken its course, you must continue persevering, because it only gets

easier after youve experienced the worst. After a few moments of heartfelt embraces and

reassuring words form my uncle, I see the effect that his soothing words begin to have on the

lady whose name was Maria. It was clear that from the way the two interacted, the relationship

between them was more than just the typical patient-pharmacist relationship. He took the effort

to be a friend that she could rely on when in need of support and assurance.

Later during the week as I settle myself into the same spot looking out the

window as the rain falls hard against the pavement, I find my gaze drifting back to a man who

has been waiting for more than 15 minutes to pick up his prescriptions, I presume. His caramel

toned skinned has little beads of water which have formed due to the storm taking place outside.

I can tell from his stern facial expression and the energy that is radiating off him that he is a man

of business and confidence. As the last person that was in front of him is attended to and leaves,

he makes his way over to the counter with slick, long strides. Laughing slightly as he yells in a
Nimike Aruwajoye
October 28th, 2016
5th Period
Observation Essay

joking manner Old man where you at? Got me out here waiting hours on you! My uncle

quickly emerges from the back storage room with a smirk upon his dark face exclaiming

Shawn? What you doing down in St. Louis? Observing the two as they banter back and forth

in a light tone, I soon discover that Mr. Shawn was one of his common clients. Surprisingly he

did not reside in St. Louis but in Springfield Missouri. I was momentarily confused as to why he

traveled more than 3 hours just to get his medication. Before I could voice my thoughts, Shawn

turned to me proclaiming in a proud voice that This man has been with me even when I was at

the lowest of the lows... I thank God every day for blessing me with such an amazing friend,

scratch that he's family. Hes always been there for me even and the least I can do is show my

support. Smiling back at how highly he spoke of him, as I am brought to the realization that the

privately owned establishment is one of which people far and near, old and young, even

unknown choose to come to for the sake of the personal touch it provides, opposed to the modern

day Walgreens and CVSs.

The digital clock that sits above the flashing welcome sign now reads 7:57 on Friday

night. I sit patiently as I scrutinize my uncle get ready to close for the day. His once crisp white

coat now clings to his body looking creased and dirtied in several places, indicating the hard

work from a successful business day. As I get ready to make my exit, my eyes rest on the wall

with the small quote that says, Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle -Philo.

Reminiscing about it for a minute, I can't help but acknowledge the value of truth the phrase

holds. A small grin makes its way to my face as, I recollect on the things which I experienced

within the four walls over the course of days. Observing the privately owned pharmacy was quite

the adventure, but overall it gave me a new outlook on how having a welcoming attitude towards

everyone leads to greater productivity within the workplace and newly established friendships
Nimike Aruwajoye
October 28th, 2016
5th Period
Observation Essay

that give them the reassurance that you are someone they can lean on when in need of any

assistance. The interactions between my uncle and his patients taught me that a little kindness

can go a long way.

You might also like