For nearly 20 years, Frank Swanson was an everyday joy for patrons of the West Plains, Missouri, Walmart. The cashier suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was in the 8th grade that left him partially paralyzed and intellectually disabled, but that never stopped Frank from being a light to those around him.
Frank was fired two weeks ago for “holding up the line” by taking too long to find a discount for a hopeful shopper and giving hugs to anyone who’d accept one.
“I felt terrible– I was numb,”said Frank. “Fired over the price of tea and hugging people. I couldn’t believe it.â€
In a show of solidarity, the West Plains community came together and held a rally dubbed “Hugs for Frank.”
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Hundreds of people gathered in the Walmart parking lot to show their support for this wonderful human and protest Walmart’s calloused decision to terminate him.
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In a wonderful turn of events a local grocery store, Ramey’s Supermarket, decided to hire Frank on the spot. Thanks to Ramey’s, Frank will be giving hugs and love for a long time to come.
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“Now anyone who needs a hug knows where to find me,”Frank said.
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This world can be a hardened and unfair place, but in Frank’s case, love and human kindness won out in the end.
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