This is Why

This week is my last week of work before taking off to have my baby. I always wanted to be a stay-at-home Mom, but have opted go back to the restaurant one day a week starting sometime in December. I think it'll be a good time to let my Mom and sister borrow the baby for a few hours. But the real reason I don't want to quit entirely is not because of the money or wanting to get out of the house, but because of people like these folks. There is a small group of people who come in every Tuesday for lunch. They usually consist of a little old lady, her son, and son-in-law and, on occasion, her daughter. Sometime over the weekend said son-in-law and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. H, left me and baby a card. It's a home made, computer printed card, and extra special because inside is a poem that is just for me. It goes as follows:

When you get to be an old folk,
And your hair is thin and gray,
You'll appreciate the young folk
Who really make your day.

It's often that the little things
They don't know that they do,
Are just the things that tip the scales
To brighten and renew.

We'll miss your smile and winsome ways
And special friendly service,
Remembering to way back when
You started and were nervous.

We'll wait for introductions
To your special new addition
And hope that you'll be back one day
To continue our lunch tradition.

Warm wishes to you and your new baby
and to all your family.

Your customers (and friends)

They also left me a little gift card, but it was the words inside that made my day and brought tears to my eyes. Being a waitress in the little town that I grew up in, has been such a great experience. The job may have it's challenging days (like any job), but is so rewarding because of all the friends I have made. They may not be the friends that you call up and ask to go to the movies or to the mall, but people who look for you and greet you with a smile and a friendly hello. Gray hair doesn't matter anymore and if you walk slower than usual, I don't mind. If you come with a smile, or even if you don't, as long as you have some extra time on your hands (unlike the busy lunch rush who come in for a quick lunch and are back out to work) and don't run right out the door, chances are we might get to be friends. My favorite time of the day is the last hour and a half or two, when the regular afternoon visitors come in for coffee or a late lunch. This is the time when it is slow enough for me to eat my lunch and visit with these cherished guests. The guests who come in looking for someone to chat with or someone with a smile just for them. They might ask for help with the daily cross word puzzle or tell you about the latest news. These are the reasons why I can't leave for good. I may not be there so often, but at least I don't have to say good-bye for good. I don't like to say good-bye.