Today I stopped by Chick-fil-A in Marietta, GA on my way to visit my nephew in the hospital. I filled a pretty large order for everyone’s lunch. I was standing at the condiment station when a man appeared uncomfortably close and asked, “Where are you going?” I was taken a little by surprise by his proximity and the forwardness of his question.
As I turned to answer I realized that he was an older gentleman who worked for Chick-fil-A…..he was in uniform. I could see and hear by his speech that he was mentally challenged.
I said, “My nephew is in the hospital, and I’m taking him lunch.” The man got a sympathetic, pained look on his face, and said, “I’ll pay for you.” I quickly realized that he actually meant, “I’ll pray for you.” He said it twice very earnestly. I said, “Thank you very much…….that is very kind.”
As I walked to my truck tears welled up. The compassion this man had shown was truly touching.
I can imagine that this man’s life has been difficult at best because of his disabilities, but yet, there he was suiting up, probably getting on a bus and riding to his job at a fast food restaurant……..cleaning the floors, the toilets, picking up other people’s trash, and making my day happier.
As I got in my truck I thought what a great thing Chick-fil-A does by employing people with disabilities, and I would be much more likely to patronize the restaurant because of it. I thought of grocery stores like Publix that have a policy of hiring people with disabilities. Fantastic policy and a wonderful way to empower people with disabilities — the unemployment rate among those with disabilities can be as high as 70% — and to enrich the lives of those whom they touch.
Recounting this story to my sister she told me about an organization just up the road called the Tommy Nobis Center that is devoted to helping people with disabilities join the work force since the ’70s. She is a published author and frequently writes articles about subjects such as this.
Well done Chick-fil-A.
post with your friends.
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Bravo! Stories like this are too few and far between – thank you for sharing, Kevin.
Dusty,
I just had to write something about it. Thanks for commenting.
Kevin
Isn’t it amazing how interactions like that can put things in perspective. I’ve had similar myself. Gives my faith in humans a little boost every time. Treasure these fleeting moments.
Kevin, the thing that I like most about who you are is the fact you are still very sensitive to the world which surrounds you. Amen brother!
Yes, Anita……..it puts your heart in it’s place. We are all lucky to be walking around in the first place…………and some walk around with a little more difficulty……….I just love to see those people lifted up a little bit.
Kevin,
Your story brought tears to my eyes, thanks for sharing.
Renee
This touched my heart… my son who is 22 is very much like the kind man you described here. Thanks for sharing this…
Brian,
I’m a work in progress………trying to get better.
Kevin
What a great story!
Thanks for sharing Kevin.
There is no one more wothy to bestow a blessing than the man you encountered.
He felt your pain and worry, sought to ease it!
Kevin, great one to put up! I know here in Payson alot of our buisness’s do the same even thought our populations only 5000! More nation wide need to do this! Lee
I am truly touched by this.
In Scotland there are NO businesses that operate such policies.
Shame on us.
Great story.
At one of my crappy high school fast food jobs, I worked with a woman who was mentally stuck at a ten-year-old level due to a bout with Scarlet Fever she’d had as a child. Sweetest, most loyal woman I’ve ever met, and saw right through anyone with ulterior motives. Sent me a postcard *years* after I’d worked there because she was on vacation, and she remembered I had told her I was her friend.
Thanks for triggering the fond memory.
Yes, a truly wonderful story. However, I find it sad that this sort of employment policy is worthy of note – in this so-called “enlightened” society it should be commonplace & it pains me & shames me, as a member of that society, that it isn’t. “The worth of a society can be measured by the way it treats it’s old & it’s needy” (paraphrased – can’t remember the exact saying or who said it!)
Chick-Fil-A is a great company to work for. Our two oldest are high schoolers and both work there. The work ethic, integrity and values at the company’s core is very apparent most every time I visit any CFA store. What a kind gesture from that man! It’s the little things in life…
If one thing life has taught me it’s to not have any sterotyped prejudice’s about disability, race, creed , religion etc… I glad that companies such as Chick-a-fila have also followed that belief. I, for one, would be happy to visit one of their stores the next time I was in the USA. That gentlemans act has not only made an individual happy but has helped bring others to his employer… Other businesses should take note…
Nice Story – Thanks
Kudos to YOU, Kevin, for not giving the knee-jerk, reflex reaction of discomfort and avoidance that a great many people do when approached by challenged people. It was, I’m sure, equally important for him to interact and touch lives with you for that moment. In the wider world, small steps are taken and great differences are made by acts such as that. Those were a critical 20 seconds in shaping a world where everyone is embraced and it defines our humanity.
Thank you guys for these comments. They have made me think even more.
This may sound a bit corny but I believe in the honesty of the following statment
” Its not the minutes in life that count,Its the moments”
I had the pleasure of meeting Kevin and his band, some two years ago. I was a litle nervous and shy, but that was no excuse for somehow managing to blurt out my medical history: I have a chronic nerve pain condition, and had recently been fitted with a spinal chord implant. Why I would tell a band about me..I have no idea…I'm blaming the drugs! I never even told my own parents for 10years! But 26years of high levels of pain, later, I guess I was struggling. However Kevin was lovely and sweet then and each time I've met him; remembering specifically about my difficulties. You see I don't look disabled, I'm lucky to be able to still go out for a few hours, and pretend I'm alright. Thankfully, Kevin and the guys allowed me to do that and have some fun. So I am grateful that he found some comfort from such a sole. Kevin you are a true spirit…as is reflected in your beautiful songs. Keep well my friend x
I like it.
Jacqui,
Thank you for saying that. It has been a pleasure to get to know you through the years. YOU are the powerful spirit to get on with it!
I would even say that from what I can see…….you are NOT disabled. You may have your struggles, but you are rockin'
I hope I see you in Glasgow at Tut's or Annisland……….Annisland might be better for you.
Talk to you then and thanks for commenting!
Well done, Kevin…your thoughts about Chick Filet. Thast's one reason I've freqented them and Publix all these years.
Well done, Kevin…your thoughts about Chick Filet. Thast's one reason I've freqented them and Publix all these years.
Just found this blog. Thank you for sharing and for your kindness to that sweet man.
I taught children w/learning disabilities and was always fiercely protective of them. They struggled w/reading, writing and math but were amazing, creative artists so we learned reading, writing and math sometimes by writing songs, drawing, dance and drama in my class. Wonderful kids. I learned so much from them.
I appreciate so much when people show compassion for one another. We need more of that. You reminded us of that, too.
Janet,
I've met some fantastic people with “disabilities”………I put them in parentheses because I'm not sure their so-called disabilities are actually that at times. Many times they are particularly talented in one area……..it's up to us to find that and encourage that.
Thanks for commenting! Kevin
Isn't it amazing how powerful a simple act of kindness can be, the power it has to change our day? Thanks for sharing this.
Kev, this story made me cry. Too many times you see others treat people with disabilities rudely or as if they had no feelings. I am so glad to hear you stopped to listen and that he touched your heart. I have a dear friend who's son is just like this man and so many times I have heard her say, “People just need to take the time to get to know him or just listen to him”, just as you did this man. Thank you!!!!
This man could see your struggle and took the time to let you know he would pray for you, That must have been one heck of a blessing to you. Your story was a blessing to me. Thanks for sharing!
Janice,
That is what life is all about. Connecting and learning………..that man had an effect on me that day………had to tell the story.
Kevin
That's a good one! Wish I could have been there. My sister and 1 nephew are in Marietta too! Small world!
Marietta Chik-Fil-A! Sounds prty good! Right next to a breakfast buffet here in Tokyo.
Richard W. – same as last comment.