
Many of you are already aware from previous post of my time of employment as a manager at Taco Bell some thirty or so years ago. Although this was not my experience, I recall a time when people who worked in the fast-food industry were deemed as less than. However, of all the jobs I’ve held over the years, Taco Bell was indeed my favorite and for various reasons. One main reason was some of the unique customers I encountered. On occasion people would come in like Tina Macuha, one of our local news anchors from Good Day Sacramento. Then there were the regulars who came in, like Dave. During my time at Taco Bell, I’d been employed at two different locations. Both were on Folsom Blvd. which stretches several miles through Sacramento into other nearby cities. Neither of those locations are still there today, but because Folsom is one of the city’s major streets; you can find several taco bell restaurants while traveling this particular boulevard. To my surprise while out running errands one day nearly 7 years ago also feeling defeated, I saw a familiar face and suddenly my mood changed from wanting to give up, to becoming overwhelmed with hope once recognizing it was Dave.
What’s so special about Dave? Well, I recently found out a few weeks ago after seeing him again and finally gaining the courage to engage in a conversation with him. When he came into taco bell all those years ago, I knew there was something different about Dave. There were no obvious physical challenges and like back then, he still walks and takes the city train everywhere. He rarely made eye contact with the restaurant employees, and never with other customers nor people on the street. Dave seemingly always walked with his head down, but never appeared to be sad yet simply didn’t care to engage. He speaks clearly; however, extremely loud and a bit exaggerated with each word. Because there were no obvious signs, I came to the conclusion that he was shy and very reserved. With that conclusion and without realizing it, to an extent I’d become Dave’s protector back then and now, which was part of my excitement when seeing him again after all these years, alive and well. I never really spoke of Dave to anyone other than my children or other former taco bell employees I’d encounter from time to time, none of whom remembered Dave. He visited the taco bell the same time Monday through Friday, so I’d have his favorite table by the window cleaned and always prepared his order myself; 3 bean burritos no red sauce and a medium drink. Aside from taking his order and saying “hi Dave” over the years when seeing him in passing, (always within the same 2-mile radius), Dave and I had never had a conversation until recently.
The difference this time was first my shock to see him in my neighborhood, nowhere near Folsom Blvd. It has always been a pleasure to see him and as usual, I smiled to say hello. By the way, with all our encounters even since the taco bell days, he seems to not remember me at all, but I’m not certain. On this day, it so happens that Dave and I were standing across from yet another taco bell while waiting for the train. I asked if he went there to eat and he responded with disgust, “no, no, no” I would never eat there”. I wasn’t surprised because nor would I at that particular location. As the train approached, I said bye thinking he was boarding the first cart but to my surprise, not only did he join me on the same cart, but he also sat directly across from me. I took advantage of the opportunity in getting to know him better. I learned that Dave, who looks the same as he did all those years ago, is 68 years old, wow! I was amazed, thinking in that moment he was no more than 45ish. His wardrobe was consistent, plain jeans, button down short sleeve stripped shirt and still sporting the same short cut with his extreme pearly white hair. Dave struggles with mental health challenges and lives with a brother and their father. Whenever his current taco bell location closes for business, he finds a new one to frequent, still on Folsom Blvd. I’d always been hesitant to spark a conversation with Dave for fear of invading his space, I never want to push or trigger him. This time though, he initiated the conversation, I simply followed his pace and to my surprise he was very open.
All these years I’d worry about Dave and pray mainly that no one bothers him while he’s out walking around and wondering if he had any support or if he was alone. The questions in my head regarding him were never ending. Once we arrived at his destination before exiting, Dave gave me the tightest hug and said, “God bless you always”! Stunned, I broke down in tears. The people sitting in ear shot of our interaction during the ride had looks of confusion on their faces, some smiling in awe and in that moment, I realized while always thinking that “I” had been the one looking out for Dave, he had actually been helping me. Even when he used to come into taco bell sometimes on my hardest days, seeing him helped me strive to get through the day. His presence had a way of changing my attitude for the better. As it turns out, Dave wasn’t necessarily the one who needed blessings, he was/is a blessing. Whenever I see him now, the following word comes to mind:
Beatitude: The noun refers to a state of great joy. / Supreme blessedness. “The expression of beatitude the religious sometimes adopt”
literal meaning: a state of utmost bliss
God bless Dave.π€π
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Amen!
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π
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Blessing for Dave. And for you as well.
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And for you also
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What a great story, lots to learn from it.
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I appreciate it that & the fact that I continue to learn & grow.
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You were gifted with eyes to βseeβ him and he you. Hallelujah! Now you both have blessed us this day. Than you.
~ Dora
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Beautiful perspective, didn’t quite think of it in that way, thank youβ£οΈ
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A beautifully written lesson in true humility and brotherly love. You go, gurl πππ
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Awe, how sweet. You are going to cause me to tear up π₯°
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my mother loved the mexican pizza.
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π€£π€£π€£
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Awww this is so beautiful!
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Thank you my dear. I couldn’t stop crying when he hugged me.
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That is so sweet!!!! I wouldβve been crying tooπ
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Lol, I’m just mushy like that. My brothers still tease me about crying at movies & everything.
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Brothers!!! LOL
They know they wanted to cry too. LOL
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π
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What a beautiful story, Tammy. You and Dave are blessings to each other – and this story was a blessing youβve shared with us, your readers. ππ
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Thanks Ab, I get so emotional each time I replay that day in my mind that I had to share it.π₯°
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Oh, this is beautiful, lovely, noble and true. (Phillippians 4:8). I could list several of these people I have known throughout my life, and you are exactly right, they are blessings. I think of that line “for sometimes we entertain angels, unaware”. Indeed. Shalom and blessings to you, an amazing visionary and story-teller. Jane
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Thank you dearly for the scripture. I’ve been working on remembering 1 a day so that I can fight off temptations of the Devel by staying armed with the Word of God.
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This is really beautiful and powerful. Thank you for taking the time to tell the story. You told it so well.
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That means a lot coming from you, thanks. I’ve certainly missed you my friend. π₯°
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This was so sweet to read. You both were a blessing to each other. And it blessed me today reading about it. I always think that when we view someone through Godβs eyes and care and show respect and compassion, it always blesses us back in some form.
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You nailed it & I appreciate you reminding me, “view through God’s eyes”. I’ve been working on my social growth eventhough people don’t believe I’m an introvert. I had to share this experience that has changed my life in the best way.
Thank you my friendβ£οΈ
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Isnβt amazing how some people just touch our lives without us even knowing how or whyβ¦touching story π.
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Just one of the many reasons how I know God’s love & power.
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What a wonderful story. One of my favorite things about being a part-time library aide is the patrons that I encounter, many of whom I see every time I work. I have met some wonderful people there, and some of them don’t know how much they bless me.
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That is beautiful & I can relate from when I volunteered at one of our local libraries.
Have a great weekend!
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Beautiful story! Humanity is above all. God bless Dave! Well shared thanks πππ
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Thank you for reading my dear & blessings to you as wellβ£οΈ
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ππthank you do visit my blog also.πππ
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I was trying to find it. Several people have disappeared & I’m not sure what I’ve done with my settings. I’ll have to get on my computer later instead of using this phone.
Have a great day.
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Have a great weekend ahead π
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An endearing story of friendship and coincidence. π
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Cheers to new friendships β£οΈ
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Absolutely yes! And the power of one. π
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π₯°
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What a wonderful experience! Blessing to you and Dave!
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Thank you & blessings, to you as well!
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God meets us in the strangest places and sometimes through those we would think unlikely. What a blessing.
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Yes he does & I’m thankful to recognize it, see & know His presence.
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This is beautiful.
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Took me forever to stop crying π₯°
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