There’s a server at one of our favorite and frequently-visited restaurants. She is in her early twenties and she is our preferred server.
We started up conversation beyond the menu and specials, learning that she was studying nursing during the day. With Flo’s background in education, and my interest in healthcare, we took to following her studies — sharing the challenges of anatomy, labs and tests.
“So how was last week’s test?”we would ask.
A few days ago, while recounting a recent test, she shared that we showed more interest in her studies and progress than her mother and that we inspired her. (Explaining that what may appear to be ambivalence was really her mother’s confidence in her abilities.)
“I thought of you while studying and taking the test. You helped me through it.”
Touching people. Psychic reward. Making a difference.