Twas the Night Before Johnny Mason Day and All Through the House....

July 3rd is Johnny Mason Day here in Keystone Heights. I did not make this up. I wish I did. Evidently, the mayor and other important people have graciously and rightfully decided to give Johnny, my boss, the key to the city. At 10:30 am on Saturday. Right before the parade. In front of everyone.

I read in the paper that it's because of his contributions to charities and his influence on the youth that come across his BBQ path. That's true. Johnny gives to everybody. The walls of the restaurant are covered with kids' sports teams' plaques that have been sponsored by him. I don't know that he has turned anyone down. Ever. But that's only part of the reason why I am celebrating Johnny Mason Day.

I think the youth that Johnny influences are not the ones that wash dishes for him. Granted, they get a piece of the action. The real people that are affected are the children of his employees. Specifically, the moms. Even more specific, the single ones. There are women I know that work for him that never once in maybe 10 years had to miss an event in her child's life because of work. Ball games, plays, sicknesses, name it. Johnny cares that moms witness the important things. I have personally been sent away when he found out I was working through one of Evan's games. He cares. There are so many that would stand up and say the same. He will never know how much that means to some of us.

He's also really funny. I love a person that can laugh at himself, and he does it so well. His wife, Valerie, helps with this. Johnny stories are legendary. Whether he is caught in his underwear in front of innocent onlookers, hanging accidentally on a door with no one to help, or just the everyday trial of being surrounded by females at work and home- the man knows how to laugh. Everybody thinks they are his best friend. Even me! That is a true testament of making people feel important and cared for. He has perfected it. I wish you could see when Johnny "comes out" of the kitchen (like Chuck E. Cheese) to greet customers. The genuine kick people get out him. We all love him. And he may give us our meal for free!!

So Happy Johnny Day. I will never be the same. I work for a boss that I am happy to see arrive and bummed to find out that he has slipped out of the building. He is a blessing to my children, which is my heart. Thanks, Mason. You deserve all the accolades.