The Story of the Orange

A Related Back Story

While waiting for takeout from a small Chinese restaurant in Chicago one snowy day, I was having an internal dialogue about successfully introducing Will and his story to the rest of the world when a departing employee caught my eye.  I watched her leave the restaurant, open the door to a waiting SUV, and gather a handful of oranges.  She then returned to the restaurant and thoughtfully delivered the oranges to each of the remaining employees, who accepted them very gratefully.

As I watched this unusual exchange, a strange thought popped into my head: “Maybe all I need to be successful is an orange.”

Of course I chose not to say anything, and the woman left the restaurant.

And then she returned.   

Without a word, she opened the door and simply handed an orange to me.  I smiled in disbelief.  And thanked her.  She smiled in return. "You are welcome," she said, and exited again, the door closing quietly behind her.

That is why Will has an orange on the pad of his foot.

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the difference.  Things like an orange.  A visit from a friend.  A simple lamb like Will.