Yesterday, we had a difficult customer at the restaurant. He yelled at the bartender because we didn’t have club soda. The bartender explained that we don’t stock club soda because we don’t serve liquor, only beer and wine, and therefore, there’s no soda gun behind the bar. He didn’t like that response.
Afterward, he asked for a cheese that we didn’t have, even after the bartender read him the available cheeses twice. She explained that we don’t carry that particular cheese. Then he lost it and started yelling at her as if she were hoarding the world’s supply of that cheese for herself. It was ridiculous.
Eventually, he stormed out in a huff, and everyone within earshot of his outburst was relieved. Even after he left, his unpleasantness lingered in the air, and we let his behavior affect our mood for the day.
But then, an older gentleman and his adult son came into the restaurant and completely changed the atmosphere. They are relatively new regulars, having started to visit about a month ago. The son, Peter, has Down Syndrome, and his father takes care of him throughout the day.
The father is very talkative, while Peter, who usually loves to eat his sandwich and enjoys bopping along to the music (especially Grateful Dead songs), has never spoken to us.As they were getting ready to leave, the father waved us over.
When we reached their table, Peter looked up at us and said, “I’m happy here; I see you give out hugs; can I have a hug?”We eagerly raised our arms to agree, and he quickly pulled us in for the strongest bear hug we’ve ever experienced.
He lifted us off the ground—anyone who has met us in person will attest that isn’t an easy feat!Thank you, Peter! With that almost unbearably strong hug, you made our entire day better (and even provided us with a free back alignment). You’re an awesome young man!
📸 Credit: Peter’s favorite sandwich – The Chicken Parm!✍️
