A wealthy young lady had an encounter she’d never forget when she belittled a janitor at her father’s firm. He decided to teach her a crucial life lesson.
Danielle Grobber was accustomed to getting her way. With her beauty, intelligence, and talents matched by her father’s wealth, she had grown to see his money as her own. Danielle, or Danie as her friends called her, was quite pampered but always seemed to wriggle out of trouble thanks to her sweet words and dazzling smile. But this time, she crossed a line and got a lesson from her father that she’d remember forever.
Danielle was set for a luxurious two-week getaway to the Caribbean and had persuaded her father to take her shopping. Though she didn’t need anything new, she adored shopping with him. However, her father had to skip their lunch for an urgent appointment, leaving Danielle to wander around. She eventually ended up at a well-known fast food spot and treated herself to a burger blossoming with toppings, fries, a large soda, and an apple pie.
She picked up her meal and returned to her dad’s office, where she ate in the serene garden with sprawling lawns, shady trees, and murmuring fountains, texting her friends throughout. After finishing her meal, she freshened up her lipstick, balled up her napkin, and left the mess behind.
As she was walking away, a firm voice stopped her. “Excuse me, miss!” A thin elderly man in a janitor’s outfit was sweeping the garden path. “Please pick up your trash and put it in the bin.”
Respect is a two-way street.
Danie paused, incredulous. “Pardon me? You’re talking to ME?”
“Yes, young lady,” the man calmly replied, “We maintain this garden for everyone who works here to enjoy, and it’s not fair to leave it messy.”
“I don’t do clean-ups!” Danie snapped. “Others do that for me. People like you handle it — isn’t that your job? So get on it — clean it up!”
The elderly janitor blushed. “Young lady, my task is keeping this place tidy, but what you’ve done is disrespectful…”
Danie cut him off with her arrogance. “You work for my father, meaning you work for me! I could have you fired!” She didn’t realize her father, Jack Grobber, who had witnessed everything, was approaching with anger simmering in his voice. “DANIELLE!” he boomed. “Who do you think you are, treating this man so terribly? Mr. Terence here has dedicated over twenty years to our company, working hard to support his family.”
“Daddy?” Danie pleaded with her sugary façade, “Please don’t be upset…” Jack, however, could see the mockery hidden beneath, and he had decided enough was enough.
“Apologize to Mr. Terence, Danielle,” Jack demanded, watching her make another insincere attempt. But Jack was resolute. It was time to rectify the indulgence she had known all her life.
Then Jack had a thought. “Mr. Terence, you could use some rest, wouldn’t you agree?”
Mr. Terence chuckled, “My wife says the same, sir, but I’m saving up days to visit the grandkids over Christmas.”
Jack insisted, “I’m rewarding your dedication with a two-week break and a trip to the Bahamas, all expenses paid!”
Mr. Terence was awed but concerned, “Who will cover for me?”
“Don’t fret,” Jack assured, “My daughter Danielle will learn the ropes in your absence.”
“WHAT?” Danielle shrieked, “This is not fair!”
“It’s happening,” Jack confirmed. “You will appreciate the work Mr. Terence does by doing it yourself.”
“No!” Danielle protested, “I can’t do janitorial work!”
“You will,” her father declared sternly, “or there will be consequences, including losing your car.”
“But it’s mine!” Danie argued.
“Actually, it’s mine, Danielle,” Jack corrected her, “I’ve given everything you have, and it’s time you understand the hard work behind every dollar.”
Danie realized her father meant business. She couldn’t charm her way out this time.
“You begin Monday,” Jack stated, then turned to Mr. Terence. “Enjoy your vacation!”
So on Monday, there Danielle was, in her new uniform, doing all the tasks Mr. Terence did daily. By the end of each day, she was thoroughly worn out, her manicured nails ruined, and hands sore from labor.
When Mr. Terence returned, glowing with a suntan, Danielle had become quite proficient in her tasks, and he was pleased to report that she had kept everything tidy.
From that day forward, Danie had newfound respect for those who worked hard, never again judging anyone for their honest labors.
