Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my gratitude to an honest man of integrity and honesty, which is so uncommon in this day and age.

On Nov. 1, I was shopping at Publix on Commerce Avenue. Once I was finished, I left the cart inside the designated area, took my purchases and left the store. It wasn’t until a short time after I arrived home that I realized I didn’t have my purse.

After retracing my steps, I realized that that I has left my purse in the shopping cart. I raced back to the store, certain that by now I had lost my purse and all its contents.

I was terribly anxious and sure that I had lost everything within the purse. it was not only the cash, but also everything else that was entailed. I would need to replace my driver’s license, and cancel all my credit cards. There were other things that couldn’t be replaced like pictures of my grandchildren and great grandchildren.

By the time I arrived back at the store, I was convinced that I wouldn’t retrieve anything, but it was worth a try. I went to the counter, and asked if anyone had turned in my purse.

I fully expected the answer to be “no,” but to my surprise my purse was returned with all of its contents. I was told that Mr. Albert Copeland, one of the courtesy clerks, had found it shortly after I left it. Not only did he find it, but apparently he went in search of the rightful owner in the parking lot.

I was so pleasantly surprised, I couldn’t express myself. Honesty and integrity is so rare in this day and age, and I applaud Mr. Copeland for his.

I would also like to extend my thanks to Publix for ensuring that they hire are not only courteous, but also honest and truly committed to serving the customer.

Mr. Copeland deserves to be commended for his acts. If it were not for the Publix policy against tipping, I would have happily given him a monetary reward for his acts.

It’s very often that individuals complain when they don’t receive quality service, but I believe that we should also be just as liberal with our praise when individuals go above and beyond their job duties.

Thank you for allowing me to express my gratitude to Mr. Copeland.

Sincerely,

Vivian Arrington

LaGrange