#WednesdaysWithHenry… day 8

It’s Wednesday, our usual time to meet up and work together. This Wednesday I’m picking Henry up “at home” as he likes to say. We’re starting the day off at The Shell Station on A St. and then I’ve decided to keep Henry with me all day even though it means driving all over San Diego and having to bring him back downtown at the end of the day.

Whenever we get together Henry always gives me a hug and thanks me. I told him once again this morning that I appreciate him just as much as he appreciates me, he just says “stop it” now if I say something that get’s to him emotionally.

While we were pulling into the gas station Henry made some silly comment, I wish I could remember it but what followed was the best. He looked at me and said, “I was being sarcastic Kari, do you know what that is?” I quickly replied, “Pot, meet the kettle.” Henry laughed and stated, “I guess you’re right, you are probably the most sarcastic person I’ve ever met, I like it.”

I am so happy and proud to say that all of my clients were thrilled to meet Henry and extremely kind and gracious towards him. I’m not surprised by this at all because I truly feel that the people who give me the privledge of detailing their cars are the kindest, most generous people who I call friends.

We went from downtown, to Kearny Mesa, to Del Mar, Carlsbad and then Cardiff. The entire time Henry would ask what city we were in and when we drove along the coast he was absolutely mesmerized by the ocean, the same way that I am every time I take that same route.

I tend to hit the floor running and don’t stop until the day is done but when I’m with Henry I try to slow down and let him take everything in. I generally never stop for lunch but as we drove by the In-and-Out Burger in Encinitas on our way to Carlsbad I suggested we stop for a burger. He loves burgers and was happy to be trying a new place other than McDonald’s or Burger King.

Of course at 12:30 in Carlsbad, at the In-and-Out Burger off of Palomar Airport Road I knew that it was going to be busy and was just hoping that we’d be able to find a table to sit at. Once again Henry asked if I could just order for him, due to the fact that he can’t really read the menu board very fast and he hadn’t been there before.

While Henry used the restroom to wash his hands I luckily found a table and got our drinks, set my keys down etc to save the spot while we waited for the food. When he spotted me I went to wash my hands. Upon my return I saw that both of the tables on either side of Henry and I became empty. I didn’t give it another thought until I saw several people standing around, with drinks in hand, waiting for their numbers to be called. When their orders were ready they weren’t packed “to go” and yet nobody sat at the tables next to us.

The family closest to us seemed to be very interested in the two of us and kept looking over. Henry had showered that morning, was in a new pair of jeans and the KS Auto Detailing sweatshirt that I had given to him, I was wearing one too. I may be reading more into this than I should but seriously, the place was packed and no one was sitting down. One guy put his keys and a drink down then looked at the two of us, picked them up and walked away. Henry noticed it then and just said, “that happens all the time Kari, it’s not you.” This kind man was worried that somehow my feelings were getting hurt when deep down I was pissed and felt sorry for the people surrounding us.

When we drove along the coast to Michelle’s house Henry just stared out at the ocean and suggested that one day we go to the beach to play frisbee together. He said he’s never done that in the sand and he reckoned that it would be a lot of fun.

Of course once again my client was kind and friendly when I introduced Henry to her and she loved the outcome of the detail. I gave the $20 tip to Henry and let him know that I couldn’t have done it without him. He argues with me and tries to give money back to me when I’m paying him for helping me, go figure.

Next step was the moment of truth. I told Henry we had to go to my house to pick up a bag full of food that our awesome friend Julie Darling had cooked for him. I reminded him that I’m just renting a small part of the house and that I’m by no means rich. When we pulled into the driveway Henry just casually said, “I think it’s best if I stay outside, if you don’t mind I’m going to stand here, smoke a cigarette (ugh) and just look at the view of the ocean while you get what you need to get.” Henry was letting me know that it’s ok not to invite him into my home just yet and that he wasn’t offended by that at all. He’s very intuitive sometimes, a lot of the time actually.

When we pulled up outside of the hotel and I grabbed the bag full of food for Henry and handed him more money for working with me he once again said, “Stop it.” With a tear in his eye he went on to tell me, “Kari it doesn’t matter how much money you have or if you own your home, you should know that you are the richest person I know.” #happytears.