I headed south the other day and spent about an hour on the road. Sure gives a person time to think. Something that's hard to do, when life gets so hectic. We're so busy getting our business done, moving from project to project. Gotta get it all done, and time is running out! Hurry, hurry! Put in a day's work, then hurry home and put in a night's work there.
On the way I popped into a McDonald's. Picked up a McRib, and a coffee for mom. We were to meet at the nursing home in just a few minutes. I knew she wouldn't stop anywhere to pick up food or coffee (because she was out of her familiar territory, coming up from the opposite direction as I.) I waited patiently for my order, reflecting how quiet the store was at the time. Felt kind of nice, breathing the country air again. I paid for my goodies, grabbed them and headed to the door.
The server stopped me. "Oh no, what now?" I groaned... Did I forget to pay? Sheesh, I need to slow down...
"You made my day," she smiled.
Hmmm...
"I've been working all day, and I've not had one person say, 'Thank you.' Not one single person. You're the first," she continued.
Double-Hmmm... I looked at her face then, really noticing her for the first time. I didn't remember thanking her, so I wasn't sure I should take credit for it. But it was one of those things we were raised to do in my family. By now, it's probably more habit than anything.
There was something about her... She needed something else. I set my coffee down (to avoid the temptation of a lawsuit for spilled hot coffee, of course, lol).
"You know, you're in one of the most difficult jobs in the world," I empathized. "Customer service. Most times you're just an object. You're there to meet the strangers' needs, aren't you? Not really a human being. Just a needs-meeter," I laughingly advised.
Her eyes grew wide. I spotted a sparkle that hadn't been there seconds before. Ah, now we're talking the same language!
And talk she did. I listened. Nodded. Encouraged. An onlooker might have assumed we'd known each other forever. Maybe she'd be right, too...
"What's happened to people?" Her question echoed as I moved out the door.
"It's really simple, my friend. The Rat Race got 'em," I shared, laughing. I knew she'd understand exactly what I was saying. Two kindred souls out in the middle of nowhere -- on a cold, rainy day -- thinking the same thoughts. Life is good.
Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad day after all... I'd settle for Bittersweet today.
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