I would like to offer an example of something positive in our rather abysmal ideological-cultural life at present. It is a simple appreciation and recognition of the blessings everyday people are who operate in the background of our lives.

One such person is a man known only to me as “Jack.” Jack is a food server at Denny’s restaurant here in Pendleton. As far as I know, he only works the morning shift because that is where my small group of Tuesday morning breakfast friends who meet there weekly see him. Jack has been our food server for some years now and it amazes me he stays on this job. His talents, intelligence and people skills could take him to other positions where, I’m sure, he could make a better living.

He is the kind of person who, when he sees one of us approaching in the front window, has already grabbed the coffee pot and a cup for us before we even sit down. His customer service approach, bar none, is the veritable apex of the craft. He dotes on us as if we were his only customers (which is not true) and makes us feel special and welcome.

He remembers our names when we forget his. His memory recall is nothing if not impressive. He tends to remember what we want without the need to write it down, and it’s not because we order the same meal week after week. His recall is just that good.

Effusive in his warmth and kindness, as a former food server myself, he just blows me away. Every restaurant in Pendleton should hire him for employee training in the skills it takes to work with the public. It would increase their business tremendously.

I don’t particularly like the food at Denny’s. It would be fair to say I tolerate it at best. Denny’s only gets my business because of this man known to me only as Jack. If you’re ever there in the morning, ask to speak to this local but relatively unknown legend.

Matt Henry

Pendleton