Memphis Trifecta - Commercial Appeal

Willena Highsmith

Memphis

I called the Mayor’s Action Center to request a recycling cart on wheels, since I am not as active as I used to be. The pleasant young woman who answered my call assured me I would have it within 10 days. It arrived by 8 the following morning.

Later that same day, I arrived at my doctor’s office for my appointment and was told I was two hours late. I had mistakenly written the wrong time. My doctor worked me in, despite my mistake.

My next stop was the Apple store, which has no curb cut at the front door, and a rather high curb for someone who is handicapped.

As I was struggling, a very tall young man exiting the store came to my aid and cheerfully helped me into the store. I thanked him gratefully, and profusely.

As I settled myself, another customer asked if I knew the young man who helped me. When I said I did not, he said, “Lady, that was Penny Hardaway!”

If I’d known that, I’d have given him a bear hug, because he gives so much to this city, working with kids, and serving as a positive role model — an all-round terrific citizen.

So I had three unexpected surprises in a single day. It is no wonder I love Memphis!

(05-04-2015 02:11 PM)tigertom Wrote:  Memphis Trifecta - Commercial Appeal

Willena Highsmith

Memphis

I called the Mayor’s Action Center to request a recycling cart on wheels, since I am not as active as I used to be. The pleasant young woman who answered my call assured me I would have it within 10 days. It arrived by 8 the following morning.

Later that same day, I arrived at my doctor’s office for my appointment and was told I was two hours late. I had mistakenly written the wrong time. My doctor worked me in, despite my mistake.

My next stop was the Apple store, which has no curb cut at the front door, and a rather high curb for someone who is handicapped.

As I was struggling, a very tall young man exiting the store came to my aid and cheerfully helped me into the store. I thanked him gratefully, and profusely.

As I settled myself, another customer asked if I knew the young man who helped me. When I said I did not, he said, “Lady, that was Penny Hardaway!”

If I’d known that, I’d have given him a bear hug, because he gives so much to this city, working with kids, and serving as a positive role model — an all-round terrific citizen.

So I had three unexpected surprises in a single day. It is no wonder I love Memphis!

Truth be told there are more of these stories than the bad ones. The bad stories get the press.

I was in an interview recently where every TV station in town was in the room. We gave them a ton of positive things but only one mentioned the positive, all focused on the negative.

A couple of months ago I was call for information on a story. What I shared was we are a national leader in achievement in that area. That afternoon the report called back and said they needed more. "more what" I asked. They were told to dig for more because it wasn't news-worthy as told. I told them not to turn this into a negative story because they would eventually be trying to explain a really skewed story. The went with the skewed story. Short memories of a negative thinking and negative hungry citizenry make that possible.

There is one reporter I refuse to talk to. Send somebody else.

Good for Penny, Good for MAC and the Contractors. Good for the Doctor's office!

Cool story, bro.

I thought anyone who posts on a Tiger sports board would recognize Penny Hardaway.

(05-04-2015 06:07 PM)k2tigers Wrote:  Cool story, bro.

I thought anyone who posts on a Tiger sports board would recognize Penny Hardaway.

Thought the same thing. But still a great story.

(05-04-2015 06:17 PM)450bench Wrote:  

(05-04-2015 06:07 PM)k2tigers Wrote:  Cool story, bro.

I thought anyone who posts on a Tiger sports board would recognize Penny Hardaway.

Thought the same thing. But still a great story.

yep....and duh.....I think it was a story written to the CA, not from the OP

My bad

Makes sense.