I am a "people watcher".
It's one of my favorite things to do
and a reason I don't mind doing things alone.
A few weeks ago,
I decided I wanted Popeye's Fried Chicken.
still one of my favorite fast food joints.
I went inside as the drive up was backed up to the road.
As I walked into Popeyes I hear
"Welcome to Popeye's"
Mopping the floor is an adult man
and I can tell he is special needs as his
mentor/teacher is close by monitoring his work.
Having been a school nurse for many years,
I recognize the scenario.
An adult child learning a trade.
His words echo in the busy Popeye's
as everyone who comes in is greeted with
"WELCOME TO POPEYE'S"
Its heartwarming as the actual Popeye employees
are not speaking at all, just taking and filling orders,
no smiles, nothing.
Yet, "Welcome to Popeye's" is heard often.
I decide I want to stay and eat, I want to watch
this young man do his work.
It's busy but he mops and cleans up tables
with his teacher guiding him to what needs to be done.
She is great at her job, stands to the side,
letting him do his things with only the guidance he needs
when he needs it.
"Can I get anything for you?"
He asks another customer.
I need something, can't remember what it was
but the counter worker just never comes to me to see what I need.
I ask the kind fellow to get it for me.
"NO problem" and it record time he brings me what I have asked for.
His presence in the establishment is palpable.
As I am leaving, I ask his teacher if I can tip him?
She assures me this would be great.
I go to him with a 5 dollar bill,
I tell him just how well he is doing,
and he has made my day so much better.
I tell him he is the best worker in the whole building.
He is beaming.... He has been acknowledged for his work.
He takes the money as though he has never received a tip.
He is the one who deserves it.
As I leave the Popeye's I hear once again,
"Welcome to Popeye's Have a great day"
and if at all possible, his tone is just a tad happier, a bit louder.
He is proud of a job well done.
No comments:
Post a Comment