Wow, this latest stop on our journey was proving to be a winner! EM and I had both begun to develop relationships with the many patrons that came to the shop. We each used our own unique style and manner and make friends we did. We still can sit and recall some of their faces and even still be able to put a name with it, which is a challenge since it is now almost 14 years ago. My Mom also helped out and she and Dad now lived in an apartment right next door. It was getting more and more difficult for her to care for my Dad alone, so we moved them here. This gave Mom some freedom to enjoy her second love, people. She was a 'rock star' unto herself and it didn't take long for the 'folks' to know she was a ball of fire with a personality to match. I believe it was in those last days of her working at the shop, just before we sold, that the first signs of her memory loss could be seen. Today she now has that horrible decease, Alzheimer's, and we can't even talk and reminisce about those crazy, fun, and wild days at the 'station', but I do thank God for them. More names, John & Sue who were regulars and whom became our good friends. Sue's son Jimmy, who was just a little guy at the time and who loved dinning on his favorite simple pleasure, a hash brown patty on most every visit. He is now 21, finished studies at VMI and is now working with the Air Force! Boomer, (really) Bummer (really too), and Charlot (who really could weave a web of amazing tales for which finally got her banned from coming in by police order no less!) Doug, whom I could always call upon at anytime to repair anything that needed it. My brother Pat, who was super helpful with answers to all manner of questions that alluded me, especially because he had an amazing financial mind that was very appreciated. Even though we always did our own thing and could be stubborn for sure, I am grateful he is my Brother and for the relationship we maintain even today. Bob & his wife who sorry I have forgotten her name, but I do remember her love for her brood of pet turtles (and no, they were never ingredients in any of our soups.....I'm pretty sure! The Doc & his wife, Doc 2 whom rented from us next door (they were known to relieve many a backache!) Lynne, another tenant whom despite her slight build could ease your aching muscle's with the power of a 300 lb. weight lifter! Anne, a wonderful gal, who could be seen every morning enjoying a bagel, Pepsi and book in that order. There was no subject that was taboo for her opinion or input! Carol & Greg the proprietors of a long established restaurant that bore the name of many a child's favorite 'little man' cookie's home that was especially enjoyed around the holidays! They would often let Mom tag along with them and even had her dine at their restaurant on their dime. Greg, now deceased loved to sing and play the piano and organ. They were loyal patrons and as I stated great friends to Mom! One little guy, Nate, captured my heart as he would come in every morning usually in his Mom's arms and weekends in his Dads. He was such a joy and EM and I had the privilege of watching him grow up if even for only a few years! Todd, who worked for us and who died so young from his battle with a blood decease contracted from a blood transfusion years earlier. He also rented an apartment from us and never let his ailment stop his determination, I miss him. I can look back on some moments that make me laugh now but at the time revealed the 'dark side'! When it was almost 1/2 a day before I discovered that we were spreading mayo on bagels instead of butter. When we had a power outage and our bread was literally 'half baked'! When I was in a rage while cooking on the backroom grill only to be told later that my Pastor was in and said to say 'hello'! The day EM and I had a stomach virus and without any graphic detail, just say that I had one hand on the wheel and my head out the door as I drove to work at 5 AM that morning,! We both worked the whole day and every time we served and smelled some food item we turned 'green'! I never knew until years later that EM would shield me from many a mishap to save the customers and employees from my wrath! I could go on and on, but as you can see we seemed to receive more blessings than we gave. These are only a few of the the names I can remember, but again while my recall on that may be suspect the faces in my head remain clearer than ever and I hope, forever. Just as I recalled some lovable characters from the 'fruit truck' days there were no less of them here either. I just mentioned the word blessing and this tale would not be complete without relating my major one. Lou and Lori who EM and I met from our casino days were frequent guests in our home, as well as the restaurant. One Friday evening they asked if we would like to join them in church that next day, since this particular church had a Saturday night service. We did attend that night and I have been attending a church every week since with only a few exceptions. I even started singing and playing the drums on their 'worship team'. I was 'saved' which is not some ritual, it just means you affirm your love for Jesus and that you acknowledge that he died for your sins. Pretty simple stuff, but you have to believe and affirm it. I now knew I belonged to a God who would show unconditional love to me and that I had a place to go home to when that final day came. This was a turning point for me, for while still imperfect and with all my flaws intact I had peace in my heart. Journey's can be life changing at every turn and this was surely the 'big one' for me. EM and I continued to work hard but I was beginning to feel the pressure building in me. Running the shop, keeping folks happy, juggling the bills, managing the occasional flood in the basement and trying to maintain the 7 rentals was becoming exhausting. I was also becoming 'homesick'. Dad had died in 2000 and Mom was beginning to slow if even just a little, Pat & Tina were moving to Florida and I missed being as close to our 2 grandchildren as possible. With all that I made the decision to sell and travel more paths with new adventures. As I told about earlier we ended up selling to Scott and Dave.
What I didn't tell you is the rest of the story. Dave owned an Archway Cookie route, and since I had no job prospects and my formal education ended with graduation from high school, I bought his distributorship!...Well it doesn't take much to see where this next post is leading, let the 'cookie wars' begin! Poor EM will it ever end, stay tuned and you can find out when she does...lol...Thanks to all and if your still enjoying this please come back....
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