Some may remember that when I was gainfully employed, I brought donuts to the team (almost) every Friday morning. I somehow survived many years of arising around 4 something, dragging myself to a local donut emporium, first at the long defunct bakery in San Souci and then later the only choice of Donut Connection. During years of doing this I sort of developed a friendship with the owner of the DC, a very sweet gentleman from India. We had many great conversations, although there remained somewhat of a language barrier. I think one time I commented in the formative Feeder days that I spent some time with him one morning trying to give him an idea where exactly Missouri was. Well, one year I gave him a tin of our favorite (Whitley’s) peanuts. He was so grateful, and even the members of his family that help in the store went on and on about them. So, a tradition was born…
So I tried to keep up with him, but despite good intentions, plans, assurances, and promises to visit “Pete” (as he is called) during retirement, I think it’s been a year since I was able to see him. But somehow, the idea of giving him and his family peanuts again started eating on me. So, this morning, I made the sacrifice and walked in with my tin of peanuts at 4:45. It took him a minute to recognize me, but such a light came into his eyes when he saw me that it kind of made everything worthwhile. We chatted for a while, interspersed with his courteous “may I help you?” into his head set as people approached the drive through. I also saw one of my “donut buddies” that was a very long time regular as well, so it was kind of a little homecoming. Just three guys at 5am in a donut shop in the middle of Lexington Park, but maybe a little light shone upon us..as I always say, little things and friends…
And maybe as my reward I was allowed to see this..
and at that time who cares if you were
DF
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