STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When Carmella Granello walked into Trader Joe’s in New Springville Friday for an essential shopping trip, she had no idea how deeply kind and caring the staff was.
“Upon entering Trader Joe’s, I was politely greeted by the manager, Joe,” explains Granello, 74, a retired RUMC nurse. “He was so nice and polite, and when I thanked him, I was greeted by another gentleman, Steve, who handed me a disinfectant wipe.”
When the pleasantries were exchanged, Steve turned to Joe and commented how cheery positive Granello was, and how he wished all customers were like her.
Granello replied to the workers, “I am just grateful, because as a retired nurse and cancer survivor, God has been so good to me," at which they looked at each other and thanked her for the information.
As Granello proceeded to shop her grocery items, another staff member approached her. To her delight, she presented her with a beautiful bouquet of colorful spring flowers, compliments of the Trader Joe’s staff.
“I have witnessed much suffering of people throughout my nursing career, I needed to share my joy,” she said, upon telling her heartwarming story. "The flowers were beautiful and really brightened my day, something we all need right now.”
ADVICE FOR STATEN ISLANDERS
On the coronavirus pandemic, Granello offers some advice to Staten Islanders. “I have lost colleagues during this pandemic,” said Granello, who retired as Assistant VP of Women and Children Services at RUMC.
“As an RN and the senior matriarch of my family, I have always shared with them my professional knowledge and experience with all of the organisms I have experienced since the early 1960s to present, based on microbiology and professional training."
Granello’s advice? Go out and get some sunshine. Avoid sugar. Cover your face indoors and in stores. No shoes in the house. Do not rely on gloves, always wash hands, but keep them away from face, eyes, and nose.
“Most importantly, keep your immunity up with love and laughter,” she added. “I have always taught all the family this, before any coronavirus restrictions came out. I pray a lot.”
Carmella Granello received this beautiful bouqet from the staff of Trader Joe's, New Springville.
Carmella Granello with her nephew and godson, Jimmy Granello, of Jimmy's Fine Jewelry, at the Daughters of St. Paul Christmas Concert, Hilton Garden, Dec. 2019.