WALK THE TALK

Looking out the window from the tiny rented bungalow and seeing the tail lights fade out of sight, was a good moment to end the day. Jack drew a well deserved breath of relief. Time to contemplate the moment that he put off long ago. Hopefully, he would wake up and smell the coffee or bacon or both. Jack grinned, knowing

soon enough the breakfast bell would ring. But right now, it was the midnight hour and his mind was still in a whirl. It began just last week when a wait server position showed up on a written note someone tucked into his jacket pocket. He knew, without a doubt, who that someone was, but for now kept it to himself. Without

hesitation, Jack applied, hoping his age would not be a deciding factor. He was determined to let THE REPUTATION Restaurant staff know the benefit of an older employee who was, and is, a skilled worker in many ways.

After a week of nervous energy, the restaurant manager reached out to Jack. During their phone conversation, the manager shared the fact that young people wanted more money, but had less desire to put the effort into what the job entailed; to serve the customers. "So, if you're up for it, the job's yours!" Their conversation ended on a good note with the next step just about to begin.

He finally shut the lights off and wrapped up in a blanket knowing his first shift was coming up quick. As his brain calmed down, his last thoughts were of his Dad. Would he think he was crazy in what he was about to challenge himself to do or give him a high five and yell, GO FOR IT!"

The breakfast bell tone Jack found and had set up on his phone, went off at the wee hour of 5 AM. The old version of himself, groaned, and pulled the blanket over his head until a spark caused his eyes to open wide and a younger spunky man jumped out of bed. "I can't let them down!" he muttered, as he put on the chosen outfit of the day. Jack did his home work and got a few opinions on the style to NOT show his old age years in any way. A last peek in the mirror and Jack left with dancing footsteps.

He arrived ten minutes early and was greeted and welcomed with happy faces, as "the new kid in the lineup." The morning was a blur as he followed directions from each worker. Not only was his position as the new wait staffer serving food, but he had to know how to do a multitude of things like, make the coffee. People loved their coffee and it had to be just right. As customers came and went it was important to always know who ordered what, when it was ready to be served, and all the extras.

The head cook, chef or what he was known as, THE CHIEF, called out to the crew when supplies needed to be stocked. "Jack, there are two dozen eggs I need for a big order. Could you help crack them for the scrams?" Anything THE CHIEF needed, Jack was all in to help. "Yes, sir!" Breakfast went all day and THE REPUTATION only shut down for one hour at 2 PM to give the staff a break. "Whatup," they'd say to Jack. The chatter was typical of today's young people. It was a totally different language for Jack. He could only sit back, smile, shake his head and laugh. One of the guys had an eye on a bunch that came in. "See the Boujee boys on fire? Their snazzle was hot!" This was how it went all week and it was a good time for Jack to not feel out of place. They treated him as one of them. Everyone just got along, helped each other, and did their thing. All their stories were great to know when each took a moment now and then to either rant to Jack about home life or share their next adventure in life. Jack kept his story made up to let it be about them and not him. 

Week to week the time seemed to go by in a flash. This was where he was meant to be and it made a huge difference in his life understanding the role he took on as a low grade worker. Jack's time in THE REPUTATION needed to be recognized. This was where he would come to terms with life in today's world to help and not hinder. 

Others needed to know this from his perspective as he lived it day to day. Simple living in his bungalow, getting to know neighbors, and down playing his role. The morning he put in his notice to stop working was very tough. Each one that he had made friends with in random ways, all proved how important that an older guy could be as an equal with young people. 

Two weeks later, it was break time and THE CHIEF gathered everyone around. Each one took a moment to reflect on time spent with Jack. "He was a quirkle, for sure!" one of the girls mentioned as he was unique in his own style. The banter and fun memories kept going until the hour was almost up. Suddenly, they noticed a Cadillac Escalade pull over in front of the restaurant. "Wow! Who's this dude?" A stylish man with shades and a hat, got out and was escorted to the door. He entered on his own as his driver stayed outside. THE CHIEF clapped his hands. "Let's go everyone! 

Time to shine." With menu in hand, the restaurant greeter said, "Welcome! We have a REPUTATION here. Enjoy!" She grinned with that comment as she escorted the gentleman to his seat. Just before he sat down, he removed his sunglasses and hat it was a shock that threw everyone off.

"JACK! Oh my gosh it's really YOU!" Everyone made their way over, even THE CHIEF, to give a hug, shake his hand, or give him a high five. "What the heck! Give us the story, man!"

Jack was honored and humbled by this welcome. "I did not play you at all! You know me." He said this looking at each one. "I have to tell you my story." He told them he grew up like them but his family eventually found a calling. He became the General Manager of this restaurant chain that might be closed permanently due to staffing in other states. "But you all have given us hope to make things better for everyone." Jack thanked each one. His parting gift was a bonus and for each one to stay focused, and to be better for one and all. "Just keep doing good for people whom you work for, and with, through life." The standing ovation he was given topped the moment. "My REPUTATION will remain strong. I promise to one and all that my word is my guarantee!"