Well, until I get up at 4:00 AM to put the turkey in the roaster.
Mrs. Blog and I have a favorite "short order" diner. A restaurant belonging to a small, SoCal, regional chain called "Spires."
Over the years, we have eaten so many meals at our local Spires that The PC is pretty sure that The Blog, Jr. thinks it was our kitchen.
This year, as was the case last year, Spires will be open on Thanksgiving day, serving turkey dinners, and the rest of their menu, from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
Like so many businesses, the Spires staff is expected to work on this holiday.
Which seem outrageous, on the surface.
But, this morning, The PC overheard a conversation that made me rethink my outrage.
The people at the next booth made a remark about how awful it is that the Spires staff have to work on the holiday.
Our favorite waiter, his name is Al, replied...
"Most of our customers are elderly. (It's true.) Their children aren't at home, anymore. Or, they are widows and widowers. They eat here every day. Sometimes two and three meals a day. We are their family."
Al is right. I have seen it for myself.
Al has a family of his own. He has supported them, working as a waiter at this little short order restaurant, for as long as I can remember. He has two daughters in college. It must be hard. But, he seems to manage.
He will have his Thanksgiving with his own family after 6:00 PM.
After he has taken care of his Spires family.
"God" bless Al and Winnie and Sophie and Jesus, and all the others at Spires.
They are special people.
The "take-away" is this...
Tip your waiters. Tip them generously.
For the record...
This does not let Walmart and Kmart and the rest off the hook.
Eat at your favorite restaurant if you feel inclined.
But, don't shop on Thanksgiving.
That's just not right.
Amen. To the employees at Spires and owners as well as other eateries like them that take care of their extended families. To you, for acknowledging what they do and why. Now get some sleep.
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