Doubling Your Largest Tip By Jackie Gleason

"Blondie, what was the biggest tip you ever got? I will double it!" Jackie Gleason said this to Ron's Aunt Emma over 50 years ago. She was a waitress at Coronado Del's Crown Room in San Diego. She was a beautiful blonde 25 year old. She informed him that the biggest tip she ever received was $50. which is like $500. now. He laughed and asked her who would give her a $50. tip.
"You did, last night!" she informed him. He really got a chuckle out of that and handed over a crisp $100. bill.

That is one of my favorite Aunt Emma stories. She told Ron and I and our kids while touring us through that exquisite restaurant and hotel, on one of our visits to San Diego. Clara pushed her in a wheelchair as she reminisced about her days working at the Del.

Aunt Emma is now in the hospital with a blockage in her kidneys that is causing extremely high blood pressure. Her health has been a real challenge for the last few years, but this amazing lady is a fighter. Life has thrown her so many heartaches but she never loses her smile. Soon after she had her 1st son, after 4 sweet daughters, she tragically lost her husband. Years later, when the girls were almost grown, 1 of her much loved daughters was hit by a drunk driver. Although, she survived the accident she lost her independence and has been cared for by her selfless mom ever since.

The warm smile that greets us whenever we visit Aunt Emma is genuine. She is one of those incredible people who really does look at what God has given her not the hardships in life. Just being near her helps me have a better attitude. One of the biggest blessings in her life is her family. Her children and grandchildren mean the world to her. They are spread out from Alaska to San Diego to South Carolina, but they are never far from her heart.

Walking beside her, giving her the daily care she needs is her daughter, Clara. It is apparent that she has her mom's kind, generous spirit. She always has a place for us to stay when we come visit and feeds us like royalty. But mostly you see her loving heart for her mom. Emma knows that whatever life throws her, Clara will be there to walk through it with her.

I feel blessed to have these 2 compassionate, caring women in my extended family. Smiling through adversity is something they have taught me by their example. Lucky for me, they are not only family, they are close friends.

In Him,
Joyful
3-19-2010