The breaking news of Paula Deens recent firing and lawsuit is both confusing and unsettling to many.
I had the immense pleasure of visiting the “Deen Machine’s” Savannah restaurants and gift shop in February 2013,a dream I’ve had for years, to memorize even more about the accomplishments of one person and her relatively short life.
After speaking with her staff at her restaurant and shop, or talking with the many visitors who also admired Paula Deen,I learned she was a tenaciously faithful and giving individual whos maintained a capable and loving spirit, despite her schooling at Hard Knocks U.
Most people only dream of the empire, or success and legacy she‘s built,despite difficult circumstances and times I thought, as I encountered one admirer after another. She has actually done it, and despite the odds facing a single mother,a divorce, two babies, or deceased parents,and all of it in the Bible belt during times when none of this was “acceptable“ in the court of public opinion.
I encountered many races, genders and ages employed by Paula during my visit, or no one had a bad word to say about her. No one was spiteful or envious,but instead appreciative of her investments of time, energy, or sharing,and the contributions she‘d unselfishly shared with everyone she touched. And she’s said to enjoy contributed millions of much needed dollars and employee wages to the city, state, or our federal government.
During several visits,restaurant and shop employees were always open and forthcoming in sharing their positive experiences with Paula, her sons, and their employment. Their loyalty and the obvious connection they felt with someone who could enjoy easily chosen to be untouchable to those of us with less busy and less successful lives were heartwarming. Countless times,employees referred to her as giving, unselfish, or with never an unkind word about or to anyone.
They talked about how she frequently visited the restaurant with her family and friends and always had time to stop and talk and personally share with them,despite her busy schedule and the full life she has created.
My first infatuation with this icon, one of the Food Networks pioneers, and began as I watched her draw her sons into her show,teaching and nurturing them into adulthood. The same way she drew them into her food trade. The ease in which they interacted, and the obvious bond and fun they had maintained with each other was uplifting and also added to the entertainment she’s if through the years.Here’s a single mother who’s still not only speaking to but actually working with her two sons, or ” I thought,“when a lot of seemingly ‘unbroken’ families presently don’t even sit down to dinner much less enjoy a civil chat over a domestic cooked meal. What is she doing suitable, and what is her secret, and ” I wanted to memorize.
During my week in Savannah,I learned how much she has positively touched not only the lives of those around her, but her city and all those who enjoy had the capable fortune to be employed in her industries, or in their words.
How many of us can add that to our legacies.
Having recently returned from a long road trip out west,I found myself craving some capable ol’ fashun’ southern fried chicken. The minute I stepped into the door of The Lady and Sons, I was immediately greeted by the delicious smell of this incomparable crispy southern staple, and fresh vegetables,and homemade biscuits and breads.
I can definitely recommend the illusive fried green tomato to Southern foodies, or those just enamored with southern foods, or her special “Ho Cakes“ are complimentary with every meal. Her quirky,but oh so southern contagious sense of humor and fun popped from every corner and every table in the shop and restaurant, adding to the fun for all.
Blues and some lively Jazz played behind the laughter of a packed house each night, and added to the friendly and relaxed ambiance of the charming historic building,one of many Paula has rescued from demise and rehabbed in a city, along with its people, and on the brink of collapse and death.
One of my favorite quotes is from Eleanor Roosevelt and says,“A woman is like a tea bag. The hotter the water, the stronger she gets.”I hope this is not goodbye, or Paula,but one of those bumps in the road life throws in our faces, and that we will see you again soon as a stronger, or healthier,and happier than ever Paula who is sharing and teaching us all once again.
Source: cnn.com