Aloha!

"Long time no see" you!

My husband & I give $US 100 once a year to a person who works so hard and offers outstanding service when we go to a restaurant. This year, we gave the gift to a man who works hard at cooking well and dedicates himself to provide this outstanding service to same company for many years. We see him every time we visit this particular restaurant -- one of many restaurants in the restaurant chain. His food is always the BEST! 

After giving him our gift, he smiled a big smile and was very happy to be acknowledged. That made us are happy, too. 

We started this once-a-year tradition several years ago. My husband, I and a friend went a nice restaurant and had dinner. The waiter was new at his job. He was very young and but did everything possible so we would thoroughly enjoy our dinner. All three of us agreed his service and attention to detail was exceptional - best of the year! We were pleased to leave him a $US 100 "tip." When he realized it, he showed it to all the other workers in the restaurant with a big smile on his face. Even the management congratulated him. 

Last year, the two of us were transferring planes at an airport, and very short of time. Even so, our waiter welcomed us warmly, took our order quickly, recommending several items that proved to be outstanding. He did everything possible to have us enjoy our brief meal and yet still make our connection. We were so pleased to leave him a $US 100 tip. We hope it served to deeply thank him for his dedication to excellent service. 

I wish other people could do this. These days, people seem to be forgetting the importance of service, working instead as little as possible and only "for the dollar." We are pleased to be able to acknowledge outstanding service and sincerely hope our tradition helps others recognize the importance of exceptional service. Isn't that what life's about?