Radiance and Chicken

It's not just the chicken. Yes, the food is definitely quality at El Pollo Loco. But that's not why I go to the drive-in on Lincoln and California in Venice every Monday. It's not just because it's a drive-thru and convenient, although that is exactly why I went there the first time. This particular El Pollo Loco is near my early morning Monday dance class and on my way to work. I can get a salad and a combo which holds me over for lunch and dinner -- so I'm good for the whole day. But that's not the real reason I drive through every Monday, as there are lots of easy in and out places I can go.

I go because of Margarita's smile (name changed). When Margarita greets me with my chicken order, she does so with all heart. "Here is your order," she smiles. "What else can I get for you?" And she means it. The first time I drove through, I wanted to know if I could get a lemonade and iced tea mixed. She offered that I try out the iced tea first to make sure I wanted it. Now I don't want to get her into trouble, but this simple act of kindness through the take-out window of El Pollo Loco made me come back, again, and again. Her radiant smile and kindness continues each week.

Now why do I bring this up on a blog about autism? Perhaps just to say how important it is to go the extra mile for others. No matter what the situation. You never know who is going to be driving by, who needs a little extra dose of kindness. That first day when Margarita smiled at me, I had had a tough morning with Neal. I don't know if it was teenage angst or autism, but it was difficult motor planning him to get ready for school. Somehow we plodded through, and I made it to my dance class. I knew it was gong to be busy at work with no time for lunch, plus I'd have to be there late so I decided to stock up at El Pollo Loco. Little did I know that Margarita's glowing smile and thoughtful gestures were going to fill me up for my day as much -- or more -- than the chicken that I purchased.

I'd love to hear from you how others' kind acts have made a difference in your life. And as you go on your day, I invite you to take a moment and smile at someone. You never know how much that can mean. And if you're on the Westside of LA, do stop at El Pollo Loco and tell Margarita I sent you.

In Joy,
Elaine

Elaine Hall
Coach E
www.coacheonautism.com
Author, Now I See the Moon: a mother, a son, a miracle(HarperCollins)

 

 

 

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Comments

[Asperger Ninja]

07:07 PM on 05/20/2010

I always appreciate when people do something above and beyond what is expected, even when someone has a cheery voice on the phone. I always let them know that it is truly appreciated. As a single mother to my Asperger's/ADHD child, it's the little things that help you charge through the day. :)

The Ninja

http://aspergerninja.blogspot.com

[Elaine Hall]

01:18 PM on 05/21/2010

It's so true. That the little things mean alot. And the folks who are doing them, often don't even realize the impact. - or maybe they do. The other day, I called my insurance company to make a claim. (the little diamond on my engagement ring that Jeff gave me fell out and I lost it.) The woman from the insurance company really empathized with me. "Oh, no. That's really too bad. I'm so sorry," she comforted. Unfortunately the insurance we had didn't cover loss of jewelry (we replaced the diamond with a cubic zirconium! - shhh! you can't tell!) but I wasn't really upset at the insurance company. The fact that they were so kind, softened the blow. Now I wonder if they are trained to be that way when folks call for a claim. If so, it really worked!!!
Thank you for your comment. I'd love to hear more...
How are you "fed" by the kindness of strangers?

[Asperger Ninja]

07:00 PM on 06/27/2010

I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner! I used to work at a grocery store and people would groan if they got behind someone with WIC vouchers. Those folks w/WIC always had shame in their eyes and I would tell them not to listen to the people behind them. I appreciate people when I'm out with my son, and he may be having a bad day, and they let me know that it's okay if he's acting up because he may not be able to help it sometimes. I think we all need a beneficial give and take, not just on a customer service level, but on a purely human level. My son learns by example and experience. If I do not show him how to interact and and what to expect when it comes to social pragmatics, then I think I'm not being the best mom I can. When people go out of their way to ease my stress, help me or give me a word of encouragement, then that is a red letter day. It is "soul food" which fills you up and is completely calorie free.

The Ninja

http://aspergerninja.blogspot.com