This Labor Day weekend I’m celebrating my son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Amber. They own a food-cart business, working at fairs and concerts across the pacific northwest. They work like their hair’s on fire and the extinguisher’s out of order! Neil thinks they should turn their life into a reality TV show. I wholeheartedly agree!
Every August I jump in for their busiest stretch, and this year? Let’s just say it redefined “mayhem.” If you want to see humanity at its most glorious dysfunction, just step behind a food cart. Alongside the forklifts of food, counterfeit bills, and employee dramas there were:
- A few crew members enjoying a joint behind the corn roaster. Neil told them to knock that sh*t off and do it on their breaks. So, they all took a break and left one person working in the stand.
- One person called in sick because she accidentally drank a bottle of detergent.
- They own a bubble-gum-pink Yamaha golf cart for transporting supplies. “Pinkie” frequently gets a good laugh. And someone stole it! The thief was caught on camera and the air tag located Pinkie about 7 miles away. Sadly, it was spraypainted white before the police found and arrested the guy.
I seriously don’t know how Neil and Amber do it!
But there are other dynamics behind the stands.
This is a community that shows up for each other. Neil has loaned potatoes and ice cream to competitors so they could continue to make money when their supplies ran out. Amber has advanced gas money to her employees so they could make it to work the next day. On a rare night off, a few long-time concession owners gathered around a fire, remembering those who’ve retired or passed. They told me about a notoriously gruff woman who, the day before she died from Covid, phoned a string of fair friends to say, “I love you.” The laughter and the memories proved that their bonds are longstanding.
I’ve also learned to not judge people.
I’ve had the chance to meet many people over the years and to hear their stories:
- A teenager who biked to work so he, his aunt, and his grandmother could eat—even when he left late at night in the dark and cold.
- People getting their lives back on track after jail or rehab—they were open, raw, and owned their mistakes.
- Others were working off bad debt or trying to pay for college.
- Ed, who owns four hotels and thinks peeling onions and running a register is somehow fun.
I wish I could share every one of my heart-tugging stories with you!
The only thread tying these people together is sweat and long hours. But then again, isn’t that true of just about every workplace?
Everyone carries a story you can’t see from the outside. This Labor Day, let’s show up with curiosity and compassion—and maybe take a moment to learn a little more about the person working alongside you. Chances are, it’ll make your day a bit better.
Life is short. Work hard, laugh often, and celebrate well.
Barbara
Barbara
And if you are wondering about the reality TV show – Amber is adamantly opposed!
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