09/08/2026
π Today was a very special day at Bee Smoothie Cafe. π
Today was Reginaldβs very first day working with us, and my heart is truly overjoyed and overflowing.
From the moment he arrived, Reginald came ready to work. He was eager to learn, willing to take direction, and approached every task we gave him with an amazing attitude. What impressed me most was his sense of urgency and his willingness to stay engaged throughout the entire day. He worked a full day, and not one time did I see him shy away from a task.
And he accomplished A LOT!
Today Reginald learned about food safety, proper handwashing, how to set up our three-compartment sink for wash, rinse, and sanitize, and even how to test the sanitizer strength. He baked cookies, made sandwiches, prepared lemonade, helped with customer orders, and interacted with customers.
For his very first day, he did an AMAZING job. ππ
But today meant so much more to me than simply training a new employee.
I want to first thank God for guiding Reginaldβs mother my way and for her trusting me with the opportunity to work with her son. I also want to publicly recognize his mother. From what I witnessed today, she has done an incredible job preparing Reginald for the world, encouraging him, teaching him, and giving him a strong foundation.
After spending the day working beside him, I am confident that Reginald has the ability to continue growing into a productive and independent young man.
I especially want this message to reach parents and families raising autistic children and young adults:
Please continue to believe in them. Please continue to encourage them. Please continue to expose them to opportunities.
Sometimes all a person needs is a solid foundation, encouragement, patient, adequate resources, οΏΌand most importantly β an opportunity to show what they are capable of doing.
Today Reginald showed me exactly what he is capable of.
Our autistic children and young adults have gifts, abilities, talents, and so much potential. Their journey may look different, and they may learn or communicate differently, but different does not mean incapable.
As employers, business owners, educators, and members of the community, we also have a responsibility to create opportunities where people can learn, grow, contribute, and succeed.
Today wasnβt just Reginaldβs first day at Bee Smoothie Cafe.
Today was an opportunity. And he rose to it. π
Reginald, I am extremely proud of you. It was truly a pleasure working with you today, and I look forward to working with you for many days to come.
Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep showing the world what you can do.
ππ Welcome to the Bee Smoothie Cafe family, Reginald! ππ
