When Mema was a young girl all the way through her adult years,
she was a waitress.
I believe she also worked at a drugstore near retirement,
but her preferred career was waitress.
She got a job as a waitress when she was 14 years old.
She worked in small towns,
where shift workers would come to the restaurant quickly,
order and eat and be back at work in a short period of time.
Mema tells of times at different establishments,
different bosses, and favorite times.
She has said that every once in a while,
a customer would get too friendly,
pat her behind or make a fresh comment.
Her response was always to either politely tell them
this behavior was not appreciated,
or, as she likes to tell,
haul off and slug them!
She has always prided herself on being fast and efficient.
She is still quick of foot even at 89 years old!
I remember a story she tells quite often when remembering her work.
One day during a very busy lunch time,
she served a young man who was traveling.
She remembered him as pleasant.
However, she was very busy and did not see him leave.
When she cleared his table,
she found a note from the young man.
"Thank you very much for waiting on my today.
The lunch was very good.
As I am travelling and looking for work,
I cannot give you the tip that I wish I could give you.
Your service today was worth at least a $50 tip.
Thank you for making such a day seem sunny.
You made me feel welcome and treated me like family"
That was all he left.
He paid the bill and walked away.
She never heard from this young man again,
but has kept this note for all these years.
I have never seen this note,
but one day I hope to find it in her possessions.
I love that what is so important to Mema
is the thought and not the money.
What a classy lady!
Do your best in everything you do and you will be appreciated!
