Larry Sablosky

I was 16 when my 19-year-old sister and I drove our aging grandparents to Florida, where they were to retire.  As we neared Atlanta on the first day, we decided to grab a quick dinner and then drive for two more hours.  We stopped at a restaurant where it appeared everyone else had the same idea.  It was teeming with people who wanted to eat quickly and get on the move. 

Dinner took longer than expected, as did the arrival of the bill because the staff was overwhelmed.  The line at the cash register was long. Anxious to get back on the road, my grandmother, my sister and I urged Grandpa Dave to just leave the money on the table.  “I can’t,” he said.  “They undercharged us by ten cents.” 

“What’s the big deal?” we said.  “Either leave the extra dime or don’t worry about it.”  

My grandfather, a man of honesty and integrity, refused to leave without making sure the waitress would get that dime.  At that moment I saw how far he would go to ensure he never took advantage of anyone.  It was the way he lived his life, and it was important to him to make sure we all lived that way.  I’ve never forgotten that moment and lesson.

I worked with my father for several years. Like his father, he would never take advantage of anyone for himself or his business.  I just hope I’ve continued that family tradition and that my kids and grandchildren will see me in that same light.