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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
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
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