For a while Willie Nelson owned an older truckstop on Interstate 35 between Austin and Dallas. (ownership not confirmed). I was working in Dallas often and stopped often at Willie’s Place to break up the drive and enjoy a chicken-fried steak. Attached to the Cafe was a small convenience store. Behind the counter was a tall thin country boy– seventeen or so– I won’t forget. His interaction with each person who came in changed his or her day.
He smiled and laughed and asked questions until the other person was smiling too. No matter how rough the person felt when they entered, he turned around their view on the day. I listened from my booth as this young man worked. And changed people. I missed this class in graduate school. I won’t forget him. I promised myself I’d be a better greeter. I I don’t think I’ve done much of a job. But I won’t forget him.
