One day as a mom of little sprouts, I decided to explore beyond the local rural highway and venture onto interstate towards the larger cities. The adventure that awaited ahead was completely unexpected. I ended up with a cartful of children inside a buggy in the largest store in the city.

Slowly and peacefully walking through the store while it was practically empty, we got to explore and enjoy conversations. Turning the corner, there was a pointy hat bouncing that could be seen through the shorter shoe racks.

My first thought was “awe how cute.” My next thought was “where are the parents?” So I turned the cart into the shoe isle to see if the child was lost. Then the peacefulness turn into giggling chaos.

The laughter from the buggy quieted down. From a far, there was a glimpse of a pointy hat peaking around the shelf. There was stillness in the air.

Slowly the gnome came towards us. As tall as my nine-month-old, hat and all, stretched out a hand and handed me a card that read: 

Hi there. I am Gregory, the gnome. It is a pleasure to meet you. I make sure that everything is stocked. Normally the store is empty at this hour. I am sorry for screaming.

It was a sweet note. Soon an employee found us. She explained that the gnomes avoid stores in heavily populated areas as being photographed terrifies them. This gnome is the only one within a thousand mile radius.

While we spoke, the children began to sputter out questions. The employee was patient and answered all of their questions.

It was a wonderful learning experience for all of us. It has been many decades since we have visited the store with the gnome. We often wonder if the gnome is still there…