I’ve always been a firm believer in the phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child”. What I didn’t know is that a waiter at a family restaurant could become such an important part of that village.

I’ve talker about Roger before. We visit him every Friday at our favorite restaurant. He has waited on us since Alyssa was a baby. He has watched the girls grow. He has helped us celebrate their birthdays, he has watched them learn to eat new foods, he has heard some of Courtney’s new words, he has learned their likes and dislikes. He makes them laugh when they are sad, he will entertain them when they are antsy. Heck, he has even gotten them gifts.

In letting him know just how we feel about him, Joe said it best. Like most families with kids, going out to dinner is never easy. For our family, it is even more difficult. In fact, it is almost impossible. We have Courtney with autism and Alyssa with severe food allergies and anxieties. Both girls are insanely picky eaters. There are meltdowns. They are loud. They can get disruptive. Over the years, we have found going to a restaurant not worth it. Except on Fridays. Roger has made going out to dinner with our girls possible. It’s the one night we actually are able to eat as a family.

Roger is so much more than our favorite waiter though. Alyssa said tonight that Roger is like family. She nailed it. He is like family. He has become like a 3rd grandpa to the girls. He has become our friend.

We knew this day would come. Roger has decided it is time to hang up the apron. We didn’t say good-bye though. Instead, we told our friend that we will see him soon.

Thank you, Roger, for every family dinner time you have given us over the years!