In my work with teens each week, I frequently encounter a young man with whom I have been acquainted for about two years. He works at one of the venues frequented by my groups and previously was employed at another one of my occasional stops, so we have some history. We will call this young man Jack.
Jack, not much more than a teen himself, is very good at his job and delights in making my student's experience at his location a great one. Last week, as we walked a short distance together to greet a motorcoach full of my students, Jack was limping. When I enquired, innocently enough, I expected to hear that this young looking boy had broken his toe skateboarding or perhaps bunged up his knee on a mountain bike crash. I admit, I was taken aback by his answer. We have become good acquaintances and even friends in the time we have known each other. He told me he had been to the hospital "yesterday". I laughed aloud and quipped, "...and you are already back to work?! Most people wouldn't even come to work if they had a runny nose and here you are straight away from the hospital!"
His response, while jovial and light hearted wiped the smile from my face in an instant. He explained that he had been to the hospital to have yet another piece of shrapnel removed from his buttocks, shrapnel that had worked its way to the surface over time, shrapnel he carries today as a result of an IED explosion along a lonely dirt road in Iraq, shrapnel which he now carries in place of his two legs from the knees down. Those, he left on the battlefield.
This always smiling, youthful, "friend" of mine for going on two years now, has never given utterance to this fact. I have never before noticed his limp because of two prosthetic legs. Jack was previously a joy in my life as a friend. Today, he stands at the top of my list of those who deserve my absolute respect. Jack is an American soldier and at 21, a wounded veteran. He is soldier from head to toe but mostly in his heart. Yeah, Jack is my friend, but he is also my hero.
I stand at attention and salute Jack and all his "brothers" in arms who are willing to stand in the breach of their own volition and at their own risk to insure that you and I are able to remain secure and stay home from our difficult daily jobs when we develop a case of the sniffles. His is one friendship I value beyond measure and I now introduce him, behind his back because he hates the attention, to my students as a true American hero.
Thank you Jack, my friend, from the bottom of my heart. And, thanks to all you veterans who have volunteered to "stand in the breach".
That is probably not "all I'm going to say about that".
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
What's that mean?????
Ever wonder the meaning of some words?I love new and interesting ways to phrase and identify, to titllate even. To that end, I have discovered a site that actually plays a game with the reader by asking you to define words.If the current word is too difficult the next will be a little easier.
Additionally, later in the game, the same word will appear as a question to see if you learned from your mistake.This is fascinating. Have a go at it, those of you who find words and their meanings interesting. I shall name the site thusly. The site of which I speak is adorned at the beginning with the appropriate number of the letter double u. That would be 3 for those who reside on the "other" side. The name freerice followed by a dot and a com should lead you to the game.
You will be surprized just how much fun this is, how entertaining, and ultimately, that you are accomplishing a bit of good as you play.Now, go out there and find a new letter or two and try some new verbage on for size.
Get out there and vocabulate!
Additionally, later in the game, the same word will appear as a question to see if you learned from your mistake.This is fascinating. Have a go at it, those of you who find words and their meanings interesting. I shall name the site thusly. The site of which I speak is adorned at the beginning with the appropriate number of the letter double u. That would be 3 for those who reside on the "other" side. The name freerice followed by a dot and a com should lead you to the game.
You will be surprized just how much fun this is, how entertaining, and ultimately, that you are accomplishing a bit of good as you play.Now, go out there and find a new letter or two and try some new verbage on for size.
Get out there and vocabulate!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The only time I ever saw Momma cry...
Momma wore so many hats as lots of Mommas do. But beneath one of those hats, I actually saw her cry, just once. She as a Girl Scout leader, and several chaperone mothers, had taken a gaggle of young girl scouts to Disney World for several days. It was a huge deal for these little girls. They had scrimped and saved. They had earned money with fund raisers. They had begged, borrowed, and pleaded for the money to make this, once-in-a-lifetime trip together. And here they were, at last, in the great castle, standing in line to see and have their pictures taken with none other than the eternally beautiful and elegant Cinderella. Closer and closer they got as the line inched along. Now, to a group of 11 and 12 year olds from mid-America, this was no small matter. Cinderella was IT. Of all the fun things to do on this trip, an audience with the wonderful queen of eternal beauty and grace who actually married the handsome Prince was at the top of the list. These little girls were ecstatic. They were actually going to get to MEET the real Cinderella and have their picture taken. They could see her just a few feet away!The anticipation grew exponentially with each small movement of the line, one less person to be ahead of this group of girls. The excitement was electric in a way only little girls have the ability to create. “OOOO! Isn’t she just soooooo beautiful?!!!” “She is just right there! It’s only going to be just a few more minutes!!” The line had been eternally long but finally, finally!, the moment was so close they could almost taste it. From behind a curtain appeared a man. He approached Cinderella herself and whispered in her ear. “Oh My!”, the apologies were profuse, but it seemed that Cinderella had to Marshall the Disney World parade that evening, and she must leave right away. “WHAT?!!!!!” Momma was beside herself. Gathering the other moms into a huddle quickly to determine just HOW to soothe this incredible pain of disappointment for these little girls who had wished upon the star, who had traveled all this far, these darling little girl scouts who got so very close only to be disappointed. So terribly, crushingly, disappointed. In the midst of this frantic huddle, Momma felt a tug at her skirt. It was her own little princess. “Momma!” she said, “come on, we’re all ready for our group picture with Cinderella!”Turning her attention to the throne she saw all her little “ducklings” surrounding the throne with a beautiful, crowned princess upon it. The little Cinderella, now crowned with a crown they had purchased earlier, and seated proudly upon the golden throne, smiling from ear to ear, was a little Down’s Syndrome girl who had been in line just ahead of them. They had chosen her to replace the real Cinderella and were excitedly awaiting their picture.Momma cried. Oh, how she cried.
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And “that is all I have to say about that.”
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And “that is all I have to say about that.”
Monday, June 9, 2008
Darin Awards - 2008
You've been waiting for them with bated breath, so without further ado here are the 2008 Darwin awards.
Eighth Place In Detroit , a 41-year-old man got stuck and drowned in two feet of water after squeezing head first through an 18-inch-wide sewer grate to retrieve his car keys.
Seventh Place A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who 'totally zoned when he ran,' accidentally, jogged off a 100-foot high cliff on his daily run.
Sixth Place While at the beach, Daniel Jones, 21, dug an 8 foot hole for protection from the wind and had been sitting in a beach chair at the bottom! When it t collapsed, burying him beneath 5 feet of sand. People on the beach used their hands and shovels trying to get him out but could not reach him. It took rescue workers using heavy equipment almost an hour to free him. Jones was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Fifth Place Santiago Alvarado, 24, was killed as he fell through the ceiling of a bicycle shop he was burglarizing. Death was caused when the long flashlight he had placed in his mouth to keep his hands free rammed into the base of his skull as he hit the floor.
Fourth Place Sylvester Briddell, Jr., 26, was killed as he won a bet with friends who said he would not put a revolver loaded with four bullets into his mouth and pull the trigger.
Third Place After stepping around a marked police patrol car parked at the front door, a man walked into H&J Leather & Firearms intent on robbing the store. The shop was full of customers and a uniformed officer was standing at the counter. Upon seeing the officer, the would-be robber announced a hold-up! and fired a few wild shots from a target pistol. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, and several customers also drew their guns and fired. The robber was pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedics. Crime scene investigators located 47 expended cartridge cases in the shop. The subsequent autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics identified rounds from 7 different weapons. No one else was hurt.
HONOURABLE MENTION Paul Stiller, 47, and his wife Bonnie were bored just driving around at 2 A.M. so they lit a quarter stick of dynamite to toss out the window to see what would happen. Apparently they failed to notice the window was closed.
RUNNER UP Kerry Bingham had been drinking with several friends when one of them said they knew a person who had bungee-jumped from a local bridge in the middle of traffic. The conversation grew more heated and at least 10 men trooped along the walkway of the bridge at 4:30 AM. Upon arrival at the midpoint of the bridge they discovered that no one had brought a bungee rope. Bingham, who had continued drinking, volunteered and pointed out that a coil of lineman's cable, lay near by. They secured one end around Bingham's leg and then tied the other to the bridge. His fall lasted 40 feet before the cable tightened and tore his foot off at the ankle.. He miraculously survived his fall into the icy water and was rescued by two nearby fishermen. Bingham's foot was never located.
AND THE WINNER IS... Zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt ( Paderborn , Germany ) fed his constipated elephant 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the plugged-up pachyderm finally got relief.Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive oil enema when the relieved beast unloaded.The sheer force of the elephant's unexpected defecation knocked Mr. Riesfeldt to the ground where he struck his head on a rock as the elephant continued to evacuate 200 pounds of dung on top of him.It seems to be just one of those freak accidents that proves... 'Shit happens' IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPORTANT TO THANK THESE PEOPLE FOR REMOVING THEMSELVES FROM THE GENE POOL
Eighth Place In Detroit , a 41-year-old man got stuck and drowned in two feet of water after squeezing head first through an 18-inch-wide sewer grate to retrieve his car keys.
Seventh Place A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who 'totally zoned when he ran,' accidentally, jogged off a 100-foot high cliff on his daily run.
Sixth Place While at the beach, Daniel Jones, 21, dug an 8 foot hole for protection from the wind and had been sitting in a beach chair at the bottom! When it t collapsed, burying him beneath 5 feet of sand. People on the beach used their hands and shovels trying to get him out but could not reach him. It took rescue workers using heavy equipment almost an hour to free him. Jones was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Fifth Place Santiago Alvarado, 24, was killed as he fell through the ceiling of a bicycle shop he was burglarizing. Death was caused when the long flashlight he had placed in his mouth to keep his hands free rammed into the base of his skull as he hit the floor.
Fourth Place Sylvester Briddell, Jr., 26, was killed as he won a bet with friends who said he would not put a revolver loaded with four bullets into his mouth and pull the trigger.
Third Place After stepping around a marked police patrol car parked at the front door, a man walked into H&J Leather & Firearms intent on robbing the store. The shop was full of customers and a uniformed officer was standing at the counter. Upon seeing the officer, the would-be robber announced a hold-up! and fired a few wild shots from a target pistol. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, and several customers also drew their guns and fired. The robber was pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedics. Crime scene investigators located 47 expended cartridge cases in the shop. The subsequent autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics identified rounds from 7 different weapons. No one else was hurt.
HONOURABLE MENTION Paul Stiller, 47, and his wife Bonnie were bored just driving around at 2 A.M. so they lit a quarter stick of dynamite to toss out the window to see what would happen. Apparently they failed to notice the window was closed.
RUNNER UP Kerry Bingham had been drinking with several friends when one of them said they knew a person who had bungee-jumped from a local bridge in the middle of traffic. The conversation grew more heated and at least 10 men trooped along the walkway of the bridge at 4:30 AM. Upon arrival at the midpoint of the bridge they discovered that no one had brought a bungee rope. Bingham, who had continued drinking, volunteered and pointed out that a coil of lineman's cable, lay near by. They secured one end around Bingham's leg and then tied the other to the bridge. His fall lasted 40 feet before the cable tightened and tore his foot off at the ankle.. He miraculously survived his fall into the icy water and was rescued by two nearby fishermen. Bingham's foot was never located.
AND THE WINNER IS... Zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt ( Paderborn , Germany ) fed his constipated elephant 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the plugged-up pachyderm finally got relief.Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive oil enema when the relieved beast unloaded.The sheer force of the elephant's unexpected defecation knocked Mr. Riesfeldt to the ground where he struck his head on a rock as the elephant continued to evacuate 200 pounds of dung on top of him.It seems to be just one of those freak accidents that proves... 'Shit happens' IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPORTANT TO THANK THESE PEOPLE FOR REMOVING THEMSELVES FROM THE GENE POOL
Friday, June 6, 2008
So you love Rock and Roll...
Question:
What rock and roll song has been played more times on American radio than any other?
Hint: Number two is "Yesterday" by the Beatles.
When you are 15 or 16 or 17 and into music seriously you still probably have not heard the very best. Imagine yourself at that age now and spend the afternoon with me. You are a member of a high school performance group, singers and dancers. You have been given the opportunity to open for a matinee show of someone famous. You have heard it may be Bill Haley and the Comets but you are not certain. Your rehearsal and sound check is done.
15 minutes: Restroom. Drinks of water. Tidy up your costumes. Shake the nerves off. Gather in the "Green Room". Nervous chatter abounds.
5 minutes: Come with me please. It's time to head back stage. Nerves are still just beneath the surface. Will I do good? God, I hope I don't screw up!!
3 minutes: Backstage - stage right. "Performers, I must tell you that very precious few others have stood in your place this afternoon. You are about to open for one of the all time greatest rock and roll stars in the history of rock and roll. You are performing on the same stage and for the same audience as he. This is your stage for the moment. Go out there and make them believe you own it! It's time to do what you have trained for all this time! Ladies and Gentlemen, it's showtime."
Announce-Lights-Curtain-Downbeat- and you are off! A Whirlwind 20 minute preshow for a very appreciative audience on this spectacular stage. It happens so fast. Before you know it, your set is done. Everything seemed like lots of fun. And, the applause was fantastic. As you file off stage you pass among the "other" band members. Those guys look familiar but you just can't place them. Several tell you what a great job you did. Full of adrenaline still from your performance you can't believe it's over but Man It was cool!
Now in your seats for the featured show. Curtain opens, down beat, lights, and that voice is oh so familiar. You have heard it soooo many times but who?
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Bill Medley. Now, that may not mean much to many of you but Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield comprized a duo that surely you know of. The song that first put them on the charts was called "Little Latin Lupe Lou" 1962. Do you know yet?
The Righteous Brothers. Yep! Now understand, Bobby Hatfield passed away five years ago. Bill has gone on to perform and his son Darrin, who also is lead singer for Paul Revere and the Raiders, sings Bobby Hatfield's parts in some of the old Righteous Brothers numbers. What a great experience for you as teens. What a great experience for me putting you on this stage and watching your eyes and your excitement.
Yeah! That's how I spent my afternoon. How'd you spend yours?
Oh! And the most played song? Do you know? Can you guess?
"You've Lost That Loving Feeling" by, well, you know.
And, "that's all I have to say about that."
What rock and roll song has been played more times on American radio than any other?
Hint: Number two is "Yesterday" by the Beatles.
When you are 15 or 16 or 17 and into music seriously you still probably have not heard the very best. Imagine yourself at that age now and spend the afternoon with me. You are a member of a high school performance group, singers and dancers. You have been given the opportunity to open for a matinee show of someone famous. You have heard it may be Bill Haley and the Comets but you are not certain. Your rehearsal and sound check is done.
15 minutes: Restroom. Drinks of water. Tidy up your costumes. Shake the nerves off. Gather in the "Green Room". Nervous chatter abounds.
5 minutes: Come with me please. It's time to head back stage. Nerves are still just beneath the surface. Will I do good? God, I hope I don't screw up!!
3 minutes: Backstage - stage right. "Performers, I must tell you that very precious few others have stood in your place this afternoon. You are about to open for one of the all time greatest rock and roll stars in the history of rock and roll. You are performing on the same stage and for the same audience as he. This is your stage for the moment. Go out there and make them believe you own it! It's time to do what you have trained for all this time! Ladies and Gentlemen, it's showtime."
Announce-Lights-Curtain-Downbeat- and you are off! A Whirlwind 20 minute preshow for a very appreciative audience on this spectacular stage. It happens so fast. Before you know it, your set is done. Everything seemed like lots of fun. And, the applause was fantastic. As you file off stage you pass among the "other" band members. Those guys look familiar but you just can't place them. Several tell you what a great job you did. Full of adrenaline still from your performance you can't believe it's over but Man It was cool!
Now in your seats for the featured show. Curtain opens, down beat, lights, and that voice is oh so familiar. You have heard it soooo many times but who?
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Bill Medley. Now, that may not mean much to many of you but Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield comprized a duo that surely you know of. The song that first put them on the charts was called "Little Latin Lupe Lou" 1962. Do you know yet?
The Righteous Brothers. Yep! Now understand, Bobby Hatfield passed away five years ago. Bill has gone on to perform and his son Darrin, who also is lead singer for Paul Revere and the Raiders, sings Bobby Hatfield's parts in some of the old Righteous Brothers numbers. What a great experience for you as teens. What a great experience for me putting you on this stage and watching your eyes and your excitement.
Yeah! That's how I spent my afternoon. How'd you spend yours?
Oh! And the most played song? Do you know? Can you guess?
"You've Lost That Loving Feeling" by, well, you know.
And, "that's all I have to say about that."
Farewell to an Old Friend…
With credits to my good friend addz, I repost this to share with my friends.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).~
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher Fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Elastoplast to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.
He is survived by four stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
And "that is all I have to say about that."
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).~
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher Fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Elastoplast to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.
He is survived by four stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
And "that is all I have to say about that."
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Continental Breakfast ….
A lot gets done over morning coffee in the business world, especially in the leisure business. As a professional tour guide, the schmoozing and pressing of flesh begins long before office workers ever hit the trail to the place of employment. Table hopping, laughing and scratching with the guests, and tale regaling from the previous days adventures bring everyone in the group closer as a unit and helps to provide more fun for all.
Tis an interesting arena into which such a diverse crowd gathers, all for entertainment and fun and relaxation. Although, at the pace they keep, one must wonder just how relaxing it could possibly be. Doctors and doctor’s wives, plumbers and their “old ladies”, retired CEO’s and their proper spouses, business people on vacation, sisters, brothers, sons, and mothers, they all put down their fare and rely on others to entertain and please them on another great adventure.
Others come to breakfast as well. Without paying they come. They arrive much, much earlier, before anyone else is even out of bed. Tis these who make the coffee, prepare the biscuits and gravy, peel the hard boiled eggs, prep the juice bar and make ready the milk for cereal. Rhonda is one of those. Four A.M. comes mighty early for her but that’s what is required of the Continental Breakfast Bar manager at any respectable hotel. Slender, five feet four, mousy brown hair, 30-something, pretty eyes, she industriously prepares the food, provides plenty of coffee and keeps the tables clean during the breakfast rush. Her work day is nearly done by the time the revelers load the motor coach for another day of fun. Just in time for her to scurry off to her second job.
Rhonda makes people glad they came down to breakfast. This breakfast room is her kitchen. She scurries to and fro tending to business, chatting, smiling, industriously plying her trade, always with a big smile and friendly “good morning”. To be shocked awake early in the morning is not what one would expect when being greeted by the friendly breakfast room girl. But when Rhonda smiles her big warm, friendly smile, her disarrayed, discolored, and missing teeth suddenly awakens the listener to stark reality. This warm, friendly, cheerful, industrious, hard-working girl has the worst looking teeth most people have ever seen. It is indeed quite difficult to look at. How could such a pretty and happy creature have such terrible teeth? What happened to her? What could she be doing if she weren’t so hideous?
Schmoozing and befriending folks over the several days of the tour brings people together who would, under normal circumstances, never meet let alone become well acquainted and friends. Life stories are often swapped. Inspiration is given and taken. Diana, the tour guide befriends everyone in the room and does so with such finesse. From Tom, a national company owner and entrepreneur, to Rhonda, the humble but happy breakfast room girl with the terrible teeth, all are good friends of Diana. She warms the room. She praises Rhonda for her exemplary work and good food, making her feel important and appreciated. She tells Tom of her own childhood and previous life, all personal stuff. Friendship abounds all for the sake of acquaintance and friendship. The tour will end and each will go their ways but the bond will remain and smiles will frequent their several faces for having shared these experiences.
Departure days are bittersweet. The tour has kept everyone up late at night and practically run their legs off for a week. Laughter and smiles have been plentiful and new friendships have been refreshing. Addresses are exchanged, e-mails and contact information abound. Luggage loaded and the coach ride to the airport is all part of the business of departure day, as is that final breakfast. Before you know it most of the passengers have boarded their flights to everywhere and only one remains. Reminiscing nearly done and final good byes eminent brings Tom, the business owner, his wife, and Diana, the tour guide together one last time. Conversation turns briefly to all the good done by Diana and how her life has brought her to this moment and this airport on this morning.
Moments before departure, Tom, inspired by the warmth and friendliness of the people who have served him over the week grasps Diana’s hand and places in it his business card and contact information. “I cannot get that Rhonda from the breakfast room out of my mind”, he remarks.” Such a pretty girl, vivacious and happy and such a good efficient worker. What could she accomplish if only her teeth were not such a mess? I want to help her. Diana, please do me the favor of finding out all about her, all her circumstances. You go get that information and get it back to me. Will you please? You know how to reach me. I want to get her teeth fixed. I want to provide that girl with an opportunity.” Through mutual tears and hugs and good byes, the deal is struck. Rhonda, the warm, friendly, industrious, hard-working, pretty little breakfast room girl is going to get her teeth fixed. It’s just like that “make over” television program.
Tom and Mrs. Tom board the plane to home behind hugs, and tears, and waves of joy and inspiration. Diana, waves one last time, wipes the tears from her eyes and sets her course back to the hotel. And thus one trip comes to an end as yet another, this time for the unsuspecting breakfast room girl who comes to work at four A.M., is just about to begin.
For Diana, it’s just another day at the office. Changing the world, one life at a time.
* * *
Tis an interesting arena into which such a diverse crowd gathers, all for entertainment and fun and relaxation. Although, at the pace they keep, one must wonder just how relaxing it could possibly be. Doctors and doctor’s wives, plumbers and their “old ladies”, retired CEO’s and their proper spouses, business people on vacation, sisters, brothers, sons, and mothers, they all put down their fare and rely on others to entertain and please them on another great adventure.
Others come to breakfast as well. Without paying they come. They arrive much, much earlier, before anyone else is even out of bed. Tis these who make the coffee, prepare the biscuits and gravy, peel the hard boiled eggs, prep the juice bar and make ready the milk for cereal. Rhonda is one of those. Four A.M. comes mighty early for her but that’s what is required of the Continental Breakfast Bar manager at any respectable hotel. Slender, five feet four, mousy brown hair, 30-something, pretty eyes, she industriously prepares the food, provides plenty of coffee and keeps the tables clean during the breakfast rush. Her work day is nearly done by the time the revelers load the motor coach for another day of fun. Just in time for her to scurry off to her second job.
Rhonda makes people glad they came down to breakfast. This breakfast room is her kitchen. She scurries to and fro tending to business, chatting, smiling, industriously plying her trade, always with a big smile and friendly “good morning”. To be shocked awake early in the morning is not what one would expect when being greeted by the friendly breakfast room girl. But when Rhonda smiles her big warm, friendly smile, her disarrayed, discolored, and missing teeth suddenly awakens the listener to stark reality. This warm, friendly, cheerful, industrious, hard-working girl has the worst looking teeth most people have ever seen. It is indeed quite difficult to look at. How could such a pretty and happy creature have such terrible teeth? What happened to her? What could she be doing if she weren’t so hideous?
Schmoozing and befriending folks over the several days of the tour brings people together who would, under normal circumstances, never meet let alone become well acquainted and friends. Life stories are often swapped. Inspiration is given and taken. Diana, the tour guide befriends everyone in the room and does so with such finesse. From Tom, a national company owner and entrepreneur, to Rhonda, the humble but happy breakfast room girl with the terrible teeth, all are good friends of Diana. She warms the room. She praises Rhonda for her exemplary work and good food, making her feel important and appreciated. She tells Tom of her own childhood and previous life, all personal stuff. Friendship abounds all for the sake of acquaintance and friendship. The tour will end and each will go their ways but the bond will remain and smiles will frequent their several faces for having shared these experiences.
Departure days are bittersweet. The tour has kept everyone up late at night and practically run their legs off for a week. Laughter and smiles have been plentiful and new friendships have been refreshing. Addresses are exchanged, e-mails and contact information abound. Luggage loaded and the coach ride to the airport is all part of the business of departure day, as is that final breakfast. Before you know it most of the passengers have boarded their flights to everywhere and only one remains. Reminiscing nearly done and final good byes eminent brings Tom, the business owner, his wife, and Diana, the tour guide together one last time. Conversation turns briefly to all the good done by Diana and how her life has brought her to this moment and this airport on this morning.
Moments before departure, Tom, inspired by the warmth and friendliness of the people who have served him over the week grasps Diana’s hand and places in it his business card and contact information. “I cannot get that Rhonda from the breakfast room out of my mind”, he remarks.” Such a pretty girl, vivacious and happy and such a good efficient worker. What could she accomplish if only her teeth were not such a mess? I want to help her. Diana, please do me the favor of finding out all about her, all her circumstances. You go get that information and get it back to me. Will you please? You know how to reach me. I want to get her teeth fixed. I want to provide that girl with an opportunity.” Through mutual tears and hugs and good byes, the deal is struck. Rhonda, the warm, friendly, industrious, hard-working, pretty little breakfast room girl is going to get her teeth fixed. It’s just like that “make over” television program.
Tom and Mrs. Tom board the plane to home behind hugs, and tears, and waves of joy and inspiration. Diana, waves one last time, wipes the tears from her eyes and sets her course back to the hotel. And thus one trip comes to an end as yet another, this time for the unsuspecting breakfast room girl who comes to work at four A.M., is just about to begin.
For Diana, it’s just another day at the office. Changing the world, one life at a time.
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