Real People by Dr. Juan Harrison
Real People
Passing through the drive-through getting my usual $2.26 junior burger with all the veggies, it was like coming home. The guy at the window was a former student. His mom and helpers clean our house each month. When I start my order he and the other servers finish it for me. If I change my daily order they all question me. My wife wonders how I can eat the same thing each day, yet she knows I’m a simple man who likes routines. She watched me take a ham sandwich, a Hostess Twinkie, Fritos, and canned Coke for lunch for 15 years as a coach/teacher until I became a principal for the next 25 years. Then, I often donned an apron with scissors, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, and any other condiments for my little guys in my cafeteria. An aide and I helped get em set up for their meals. It gave me a good excuse to visit with them, meet their families, and let them get to know me. Sometimes kids just wanted someone to talk to.
Most of us common folk don’t live particularly exciting lives. We’re mostly trying to keep our head above water and make it to the finish line. We’re not famous but in our small town pond it’s not bad being a little frog. My friend at the burger place reminded me that for most of us we like to eat and shop where we want to. We want to go where real people seem to genuinely appreciate us stopping by for a burger or to get a half gallon of milk or have the guy check our weed eater and sometime does so for free.
All things considered, life is pretty good in East Texas. Snooty people don’t really fit in here. Mostly we value people for being genuine. If they have money, fine, but we just like our folks who are plain folks. They treat us with the same dignity and respect we do them. We don’t notice the outside; we value the heart and kindness and service they provide. We love it that they take pride in their work and treat us the same, whether I’m in the Lexus or the mowing truck. I think we especially like people who have become very successful but still treat you like somebody. That’s why you keep coming back. That’s why you almost cry when they die or retire. It’s almost like a funeral either way.
Us small town guys have developed a patchwork life interwoven with family and friends. Every day is special, whether it’s a trip to Braums for bread or Burger King for a junior burger. The tapestry is rich. I’ve lived in other countries and made friends around the world. Still, it’s hard to beat seeing old friends wherever you go, especially if they have fries too.
By Dr. Juan Harrison
