I know that typically I have written about all things college football and even some high school football in the past. I also recognize that Labor Day is behind us and the College football season is in full swing.
But I wrote something during that particular “Day Off” that I hope you will enjoy…
I really look forward to and enjoy Holidays. And Labor Day weekend is no exception. 4 straight days of football, capped off by cookouts, fun, and one more big game on Labor Day 2016. Thursday we saw South Carolina squeeze by Vandy and Tennessee eek out a win against Appalachian State. Friday there were some other games that were okay. But, Saturday, my oh my, what a day that was. Mighty LSU fell to Wisconsin and Alabama put a major league butt whooping on Southern Cal. But, in the game that held the most interest to me, my home state Bulldogs came out on top of the North Carolina Tarheels.
Monday came and went with my kids coming over for a cookout, some barley and hops beverages, and that big Labor Day finale between Ole Miss and FSU. But, before things really got started, me and my bride decided to go out for a late breakfast at the local Waffle House.
I really enjoy going to Waffle House, the hustle and bustle of the servers and the cooks. Hearing the orders for food being barked out just above the conversational din of the customers. The interaction we always have with the gracious ladies who take our orders, refill our coffee cups, and bring us our food.
It occurred to me as I sat in that booth waiting for my order to be prepared that these good, hard working folks are working on a holiday meant especially for them. They are sacrificing and earning a living to make a house or car payment or put food on the table, while I enjoy a fine meal at my leisure.
At that time I remembered a young lady I struck up a conversation with the day before as she was checking me out at the Walmart. She didn’t seem to be in a very pleasant mood, but I spoke to her anyway. I cheerily asked “How are you today, young lady?” She glumly replied, “Okay, I guess.” I said, “Well, that doesn’t sound very happy, are you okay?” With a sheepish look on her face she said, “Yes sir. It’s just that I had to work all day yesterday, was up all night with my baby, only had two hours of sleep, and I’ve been here since 7 this morning.” I told her that I completely understood how she might not appear to be a beacon of happiness after all of that. But, when she gave me my receipt and had told me to have a nice day, I looked at her and said “You hang in there sunshine, one day that baby is going to appreciate what you do for her. And remember this, God has a special place in his heart for hard working young mothers.” She kind of gave me a stunned look and then a slight smile creased her face.
So, after enjoying a great meal of grits and eggs and bacon, my wife and I walked to the counter to pay the bill. As I stood waiting for the check and debit card to be processed I searched for words. I know it sounds corny, but it’s the only ones I could think of. “Hey Waffle House staff,” I said in a loud voice. Most of the servers and cooks as well as the customers turned to look at me as if I had lost my mind. “Thank you for your service and a wonderful meal on this Labor Day 2016.” A couple responded with a “Thank you” and a smile. A couple of the diners replied with an “Amen to that!” as I turned to leave.
And I thought about something else as we returned to my truck to drive home. Many of us pay respect to our service members and first responders with that same “Thank you for your service.” But what about those men and women who get up early and stay late and work on Sundays and Holidays so that we may enjoy the “convenience” of a fast food burger or fulfilling the unexpected need of a gallon of milk or package of diapers?
What about these same unsung heroes who toil without thanks so that we might enjoy a holiday and not have to worry about whether the kids have those AA batteries for a toy on Christmas morning?
Maybe we need to show them a little appreciation, too. After all, it is “Labor Day.” So when you head to the grocery store for hamburger buns or a loaf of bread on these holidays or Sundays, remember these people who run the registers, stock the shelves, or serve you a burger. Let’s bring a little “light” to their lives, too.
Until Next Time
I’m Harley Hanesworth