Morning Benediction

It was early when

I stepped into Hardee’s

to pick up breakfast.

He looked tired already.

Perhaps because of the time.

Perhaps because of the job.

His voice carried no emotion.

Take your order?

For here or to go?

Routine.

Said it too often already.

I stepped to the counter.

Take your order?

For here or to go?

I handed him my credit card.

He swiped it, looked at it.

Thank you Gary Westgard.

I looked at his name tag.

Thank you Charlie.

I backed away, waited.

My order came.

Leaving,

I shouted across the room.

Hey Charlie!

He looked up.

Have a good day, Charlie.

He smiled.

Then, almost at the door,

he shouted back to me.

Thank you.

Then added with

that smile now in his voice.

God bless.

Gary