Walk The Talk

Looking out the window from the little rented bungalow and seeing the tail lights disappear from view was a great way to end the day. Jack breathed a much needed sigh of relief. It was time to think about the moment he had been putting off for so long. I hope he wakes up and smells like coffee or bacon or both. Jack smiles, knowingly

that the morning bell rings soon. But then it was midnight and his mind was still racing. It all started last week when a job as a waiter appeared in a scribbled note that someone had slipped into his jacket pocket. He knew, without a doubt, who this person was, but for now he kept it to himself. Without hesitation, Jack applied, hoping that his age would not be a deciding factor. He was determined to make the staff of the REPUTATION restaurant aware of the benefits of a senior employee who was and is a qualified worker in many ways. After a week of nervousness, the restaurant manager contacted Jack. During their phone conversation, the manager told them that young people wanted more money, but that they were less interested in investing in what the job required: customer service. "So if you're up for it, the job's yours!" » Their conversation ended on a good note, with the next step to begin. 

Finally, he turned off the lights and wrapped himself in a blanket, knowing that his first turn would be soon. As his mind settled, his last thoughts were of his father. He thought he was crazy for what he was about to do or he would give him a high five and yell, GO! 

The morning speaker that Jack had found and programmed into his phone went off at 5 o'clock. The older version of him groaned and pulled the blanket over his head until a spark caused his eyes to open and a brave young man to jump out of bed. "I can't leave them!" she muttered as she put on her chosen outfit for the day. Jack did his homework and had some advice on what style to adopt so as not to show his older years in any way. One last look in the mirror and Jack was dancing. He arrived ten minutes early and was greeted with happy faces, like "the new kid in line." The morning passed in a blur as I followed the instructions of each employee. Not only did his job as a young waiter involve serving food, but he had to know how to do a lot of things like making coffee. People loved their coffee and it had to be perfect. As customers came and went, it was important to always know who ordered what, when the coffee was ready to be served, and any extras. 

The head chef, or what we called CHEF, called the team when supplies needed to be replenished. "Jack, I need two dozen eggs for a large order. Can you help me get some scrambled eggs?" Jack was always ready to help the chef. - Yes, sir! "Breakfast lasts all day and REPUTATION closed its doors for just one hour at 2 p.m. to give the staff a break. "What's new?" The conversation was typical of today's youth. It was a completely different language from Jack. He could just sit, smile, nod and laugh. One of the boys had his eye on a group approaching. “See the Boujee boys on fire? They were hot!” So ​​it went on all week and it was a good time for Jack not to feel left out. They treated him like one of their own. Everyone would learn, help each other, and do whatever they wanted. All of their stories were good to know when everyone took a moment to tell Jack about their family life or share their next adventure in life. Jack kept his story told so that it was about them and not about him. 

From one week to the next, time seemed to fly by at lightning speed. It was where he needed to be and it made a big difference in his life to fulfill the role he had played as a humble worker. Jack's time in REPUTATION had to be recognized. Here we accept life in today's world to help and not to hinder. 

Others had to know this from his perspective, as he experienced it every day. He only lived in his bungalow, he knew his neighbors and minimized his role. The morning he resigned from work was very difficult. Each of the friends he casually befriended showed how important an older man could be to the younger ones. 

Two weeks later, it was break time and the chef gathered everyone around him. They each took a moment to reflect on their time with Jack. "He was an eccentric, that's for sure!" mentioned one of the girls who was unique in his style. The jokes and funny memories continued until the hour was almost over. Suddenly, they noticed a Cadillac Escalade parked in front of the restaurant. "Wow! Who is this guy?" An elegant man in sunglasses and a hat came out and was led to the door. He entered alone while his driver remained outside. THE CHIEF clapped his hands. “Let's all go! 

It's your time to shine." With the menu in hand, the restaurant receptionist said, "Welcome! We have a REPUTATION here. Enjoy!" She smiled at this comment as she escorted the gentleman to his seat. Just before sitting down, she took off her sunglasses and said it was a shock that would destabilize the entire world. 

"JACK! Oh god, it's really YOU!" Everyone came up to him, even the chef, to hug him, shake his hand or give him a high five. "What the hell! Tell us the story, man!"

Jack was both honored and humbled by this reception. "I wasn't playing you at all!" You know me. He said this looking at each of them. "I have to tell my story." He told them that he had grown up like them, but his family had found a job. He became the general manager of this chain of restaurants that could be closed permanently due to lack of staff in other states.” But it gave us all hope to make things better for everyone. Jack thanked each of them. His parting gift was a bonus to keep everyone focused and improve for everyone. "Continue to do good for the people you work and with, throughout your life." The ovation that gave him crowned the moment. "My reputation will remain strong. I promise everyone that my word is my guarantee! »

By Taun17