The emotional climate in the USA seems to be growing more and more contentious. The extremists on both sides of the political spectrum have gained control of the microphone and any glance at the news or social media can raise one’s hackles in only a few moments. Everywhere one turns there are vicious attacks, many escalating from verbal to physical. You don’t have far to look to see it.
Where is the love?
The kind gestures and the helping hands of good Samaritans seem to be drown in the cacophony of vitriol with which we are bombarded daily. Luckily for me, I recently paused for a few moments and was able to catch a glimpse. And, of all places, I saw it at Del Taco.
Most anyone who knows me knows I make frequent stops at Del Taco. I make no claim that it’s authentic Mexican cuisine. I’m pretty sure it’s not. But I’ve been frequenting the fast-food chain for about a half century. Their first location was in Yermo, California. The first one in my hometown of Corona was at Main and 3rd. It’s still in the same location, though it’s a newer building.
I stopped in a few weeks ago on my way to visit my mother. Her caregiver usually fixes lunch for her so I drive through and grab something for myself. Most days, if time allows, I go inside instead of using the drive-thru so I can get the proper tea/lemonade ratio in my Arnold Palmer. I entered that day to immediately discover one of the employees hanging some decorations for an upcoming holiday. Next to her was a tall young man who immediately turned to me and exclaimed, “Hi! How are you?!”
It was mildly startling but I smiled and answered, “I’m fine. Thank you.” But as I continued past him to the order counter, I had a brief thought that he might be slightly mentally impaired in some way. The employee went back behind the counter and the young man went back to his table. I placed my to-go order and filled my drink. My burrito was ready in no time and I picked up my order and walked towards the exit. I thought that, if he looked my way, I’d say goodbye to him. He didn’t but, as I was opening the exit door, I was struck with the idea that I should go back and make it a point to acknowledge him. I turned around and walked to his table. I caught his eye and said, “Have a good day, buddy.”
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I became instantly aware that the people he was with were all of special-needs. They were there with a care-giver who obviously had taken them out for lunch. I was met with an immediate and hearty chorus of, “Goodbye! See ya! Goodbye! Goodbye! See you later!” I was nearly floored as a wave of emotion swept over me. The caregiver met my eyes and smiled.
Trying to keep my composure I felt myself clearing my throat and I said, “Have a nice day everyone.”
My quick walk to the exit was accompanied by a chorus of, “Have a nice day! Have a nice day! See ya! Goodbye! Have a nice day!”
I walked to the parking lot feeling as if I were tingling. These young people seemed so happy to be acknowledged and so very ready to share a greeting. It felt like Love.
But that wasn’t the end of it.
When I lived with my mother, she’d accompany me to my Wednesday evening job. Our habit was to drive thru Del Taco on the way to work. We soon became regulars and the two women who normally worked that shift began coming to the window to say hello to Mom. And Mom began referring to them as “her girls.” It seemed that, each week when we pulled up to the window, one or both would come to the window and lean out to greet Mom. It made her so happy.
That was a few years ago and Mom is no longer able to ride along for my brief work shift. And one of those young women has moved to the day shift. As I said at the beginning, I’ve been going to Del Taco for at least a half-century. And this young woman, Joanna, wasn’t even born in those days. Yet I’ve recently wondered if I stop by that location because I want a burrito or for one of Joanna’s smiles. She never fails to say hello, no matter which station she happens to be working. And her smile always beams.
A quick aside here. I was in recently when their computers were down during the lunch rush. They were utilizing printed copies of the customer receipts to process orders and, apparently, one got lost in the shuffle of receipts hung with pieces of tape. The disgruntled customer complained, as I might in that situation. He claimed to have been waiting for 
half an hour but he wasn’t satisfied with just expressing that fact. He continued to berate and even insult the staff. When they realized the error, they quickly put his order in front of all others and swiftly called him up to the counter. Instead of thanks, he loudly pointed out that they “sure made the order fast that time!”
Through all of this, Joanna kept a smile. She attempted to explain the difficulties they were facing and was incredibly apologetic and, as I just said, once the error was realized, had his order to him in about a minute. She even added some free cookies. He turned away with a grumble and she, with a smile, returned to work. Her professionalism, courtesy, and friendly demeanor was inspiring. There’s a very good chance I haven’t smiled that much in my entire life.
As if I need another reason to visit Del Taco.
When I stop by, Joanna always asks about Mom. I happily give her updates and she always asks me to tell Mom, “Hi!” So, recently, I texted Mom’s caregiver in the morning and told her that I’d be taking them both to Del Taco for lunch.
It was pretty busy when we arrived. But there was a handicap-accessible table and Mom’s chair slid right into place. As Mom was wheeled past the counter, Joanna looked up from her station at the busy drive-thru window, and waved and offered a hearty hello to her.
After we seated Mom, I went back to the order line. As I took my place, I glanced over my shoulder to see someone giving Mom a hug and there was another person behind, waiting for their hug! It turns out it was a longtime friend from our city and her daughter was next in line. While we were eating, Joanna took a moment to come out and get a hug. Simply being a witness to the love that day seemed to fill me. It was as if I were getting the hugs and love.
And, as we were leaving, Joanna again came out from behind the counter and got another hug and kiss on the cheek from Mom, telling her to come back soon.
My mother has always spread love and cheerfulness wherever she goes. She’s been a loving presence in our town for more than 50 years. It brought a tear to my eye to see some of it being returned to her that day. I realize that, at 92, her time with us is nearing its end. But the Love she has shared with myriad friends, family, and even random passers-by, will continue to live on.
