Dashing Through the Door

Growing up in the 50's was somewhat like working for Door Dash
A neighbor would call to borrow a cup of sugar
Whichever kid was nearby
Was assigned to deliver it.
A finished errand got "Thank you, baby."
But no tip.

Growing up in a home-based beauty shop was different.
The ladies came early to gossip and
Got hungry before their turn.
They'd send me to
Dash out the door
For a hamburger
From the local cafe.

I'd deliver the hamburger
Exactly as they ordered it, and
Without benefit of a calculator
Count back their correct change.

My mother discouraged tips,
But her customers slipped me a quarter anyway.

Eavesdropping on those ladies
And running errands for them
Led to my fascination with stories,

And later when they were eager customers
For the crafts I learned to make at the YWCA,
I was on my way to becoming a writer,
Life story coach,
And entrepreneur.
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What was your path to the career you have today?
P.S. Yes, that's me in the shampoo chair with my mom standing.