Had lunch with my former boss today
 

When I was in High School, I had a 1967 Datsun that was always breaking down. I took it to a mechanic in the next city, South El Monte, to have the slave cylinder replaced. This was when I was 15 years old and knew nothing about cars. The mechanic needed an assistant, and I needed money to pay for my repairs.

He gave me an after-school job at minimum wage. I rode a bike 4.5 miles to and from work after school until my car ran, then drove until I graduated high school.

I went on with the Marine Corps and police force. A few days ago, I showed my youngest daughter where I used to work and I got to thinking about my former boss, Paul.

I looked him up on the internet and found a contact number for him a few cities over. I called him yesterday, and I invited him to lunch today.

I picked him up, he is a senior citizen now, and we had lunch. Over the course of the next two hours, we reminisced about the good-old-days. I told him how much he had taught me, more than just mechanics. He was an old-school, tough as nails boss who taught me about hard work, character, and life. I owe a lot to old Paul.

He had no idea that I was actually listening when he was talking when I was a kid! It brought the old man to tears. He is someone I will always hold in the highest regard.

Just thought I would share, David

Great story. We should all be so lucky to have mentors in our lives.

I'm sure he is very proud of you. Great story.

I spoke to a former client yesterday and he told me a similar story about the kids that worked for him at his grocery store. They still stop in to talk to him.

Great story. Good on you for looking the guy up. He made a difference in your life, and it was nice for you to let him know.

A lesson here. Tell the ones that made a difference to you before it's too late.

great story!

My boss is a mentor much the same way except I work for my father. He drills me on hard work and shrewd business. On occasion spending all of my time around him gets old but most of the time we are able to crack jokes and have a good time at work.

It's a great form of give back. Years ago I stopped at the business of a boss from maybe 20 years before. I told him he had been an inspiration to me and I had made many decisions in my life based on how I thought he would have handled them. Her was moved and said nobody had ever told him anything like that. I was glad to have given a little back to him.

Nice, the best part about the story is that you looked him up and told him.

Kudos for taking the time to look him up and meet with him. Few things make you feel better than making a difference in someone's life.

+1. Well done David, well done.

angela

Outstanding, David. Simply outstanding.

Great story David.

Thank you for sharing.

Mike

Sounds like the makings of a good chick flick. Just change yours and his genders to female.

So very, very true. Glad you were able to do it. I have done it to most of my mentors before they "headed West."

I did the same thing with my boss straight out of high school. I gave that man such a hard time. Years later I was back in town and stopped by the old shop. I took him out to lunch and gave him my respects. I did it more for me than him to be honest. I never forgot what a pain in as$ I was to him and wanted to thank him for helping to open my eyes to the real world. It was a great feeling.

Great story and great job on getting back in touch with the man. That probably made his day and yours too...! Thanks for sharing it with us.

An old guy that taught me a lot used to say, "Send 'em their flowers while they're living, 'cause they can't smell 'em when they're dead."
I try to take every opportunity I can to tell those that have meant so much to me how I feel rather than telling their widow/widower how great a guy/gal he or she was.....
Great Story!

Really great that he knows the positive influence he made.