The “Doorman”
On a trip to California, my family stopped for lunch. As we walked toward the entrance to the restaurant, a man, with a 36 beard and dirty hair, jumped up from a bench and opened the door for us.Regardless of his 37 , he greeted us in a friendly way.
Once inside, my daughters whispered, "Mom, he 38 " After we ordered our lunch, I explained, telling the kids to look 39 the dirt.We then watched other customers approach the restaurant but many 40 him.Seeing this rudeness truly upset me.The day I became a mother, I had decided to set a good 41 for my children.Yet sometimes when things didn't go right, being a good example was 42 When our meal arrived, I realized I had left the car-sick pills in the truck.With the windiest trip ahead, the kids needed them, so I 43 myself from the meal and went to get them.
Just then, the "doorman" was opening the door for a couple.They rushed past him without even acknowledging his 44 . Letting them in first, I said a loud "thank you" to him as I 45 .
When I returned, we talked a bit.He said he was not allowed inside 46 he purchased food.I went back and told my family his 47 . Then I asked our waitress to add one soup and sandwich.The kids looked 48 as we had already eaten, but when I said the order was for the "doorman" , they smiled.When it was time to 49 our trip, I noticed the "doorman" enjoying his meal.Upon seeing me, he stood up and thanked me heartily.He then 50 his hand for a handshake and I gratefully accepted.I suddenly noticed the tears in his eyes—tears of 51 . What happened next drew great astonishment: I gave the " doorman" a 52 ! He pulled away, with tears 53 down his face.
Back in truck, I fell into deep thought.While we can't choose many things in life, we can choose when to show gratitude.I said thanks to a man who had 54 held open a door for me, and also said thanks for that 55 to teach my children by example.
A.heavy B.messy C. long D. grey
A.service B.status C. appearance appearance D. attitude
A.smells B.smiles C. sniffs D. smokes
A.into B.over C. around D. beyond
A.hated B.missed C. ignored D. refused
A.example B.rule C. record D. target
A.tough B.accessible C. awkward D. stressful
A.withdrew B.freed C. prevented D. excused
A.company B.effort C. presence D. attempt
A. quitted B.exited C. marched D. approached
A. before B.though C. unless D. since
A. demand B.deed C. experience D. story
A. concerned B.puzzled C. shocked D. bored
A. continue B.start C. take D. make
A. waved B.washed C. raised D. extended
A. gratitude B.affection C. sympathy D. approval
A. nod B.hug C.lift D. clap
A. streaming B.slipping C. rushing D. breaking
A. firmly B.simply C. constantly D. politely
A. journey B.wisdom C. coincidence D. opportunity