Imagine this – you’re at the ripe old age of 70, and you’re not kicking back and enjoying retirement, oh no. You’re applying for work at Charoen Thai Sukiyaki Soi 4, a renowned Sukiyaki restaurant nestled in the bustling heart of your city. Why, you might ask? Because you have an ageing mother to care for, and because life doesn’t always come gift-wrapped with a pension plan. This heartwarming narrative is the journey of one exceptional elderly gentleman who kept defying the status quo and outpaced life’s unending challenges.
The iteration of this story began during the menacing waves of the Covid-19 pandemic. The elderly gentleman, with steadfast determination and resilience, approached the restaurant in search of work. Unfortunately, the plague had crippled businesses across the globe, and there were no positions open at the time. But, despite the odds, the old man left an imprint of hope. A flame of enthusiasm burned bright in his eyes, a promise of availability whenever the winds tide in his favour.
Luck started favouring the brave when business picked up after the Songkran festival and the restaurant finally had the need for an extra hand. The septuagenarian was offered the chance to join the team. He welcomed it with open arms, undeterred by the considerable commute from Rama 9 to Phetkasem, and relying on ever-unpredictable public transportation. This act of resilience did not go unnoticed. Soh Pu, the restaurant owner, narrated, slightly choked with emotion, “Offering him a job was almost instinctual. His condition, his dedication towards his mother, stirred something inside me.”
Assigned to duties that catered to his age and strength, such as washing dishes and veggies, the diligent man gets down to work every weekend, never shying away from contributing around the restaurant. His work ethic, even at this age, is commendable! Making his mark through simple acts of generosity, like bringing bags of tofu as presents for his colleagues, he warms their hearts and fills the workplace with a sense of camaraderie.
This elderly man, affectionately referred to as Grandpa by his peers, has formed a special bond with Chef Nong who admires his unwavering dedication. His words perfectly encapsulate the spirit of this elder warrior. “Since the day he resumed duty here, Grandpa proves his commitment day in, day out. I see him take his medications routinely, and I make sure he eats healthily. It’s barely a story, but his relentless determination to keep afloat, despite life’s harshest circumstances, is inspiring.” All this reiterates the fact that age is indeed just a number and with the right spirit, even the toughest of life’s battles can be won with grace.
Be First to Comment