Pumpkin Pancakes

This morning I was watching the morning news and saw an IHOP commercial for pumpkin pancakes, I know sounds so delicious right. So my friend Ali and I choose to spend part of our Sunday at the I HOP. Upon our arrival we realized the place was packed, not unusual I suppose for a Sunday morning in Oshkosh. We waited our turn to be seated and order or pancakes. I suppose none of this is really relevant when it gets to the point but as the people were quickly rushing by this one women stood out. As she walked by again we conversed about how we knew here, neither of us could remember right away. Suddenly it occurred to me that we had her as our server the last time we were at the IHOP, I know hard to believe. We both recalled the story she had shared with us just a few months ago.
She has been working at the IHOP for 3 years now.
She is single mom. 
She has a 4-year-old son and basically works to send him to daycare. 
Her cheery smile makes it hard to see who she really is.
However, Ali and I both remember the story she told us the last time she was there. About how her boss was a creep and if it wasn't for her son she would have been out of here awhile ago. The last time we talked she was telling us how she was offered a job at her sons daycare so Ali and I were a little surprised to see her there. When we asked her about the daycare situation she told us another story. Apparently, the daycare is on the verge of being shut down. It lacks structure, and appropriate settings for the children to play in. She was told by one of the teachers there that she should probably remove her son from the daycare and definitely look elsewhere for a job. I don't know what it was that made this womens life so appealing to me. Maybe the fact that she was only a few short years older than me and I could feel myself standing in her worn down shoes. I told her about my dream to open a daycare center, got her phone, and told her that if and when I finish my degree and still want to do it, she would be the first I called.
She gave me a hug, smiled brightly, and continued to work.
As Ali and I finished our coffee we smiled at each other, we both knew we had done good.
Its important to question the health and safety of those around you, no matter how minor the role in your life may seem. You never know the short conversation you have with someone may be the most important of there entire day.