Carlos considered himself an important employee at the neighborhood deli he co-managed. He worked the night shift, while Ernie, the other manager, handled the day time duties.

One Saturday night, Carlos sent Missy home early before her shift ended at 10 p.m. Knowing that Missy had a new boyfriend, he felt compelled to give her the opportunity to spend time with him. She accepted his good deed. He remained alone to close up the deli.

Fifteen minutes to 12 a.m., a man Carlos recognized from the neighborhood stopped in to order a sandwich. The man browsed around for a few minutes then left. Before Carlos closed, he made one final round of sweeping to keep the store in order. He discovered, in the center of the store, a manila envelope with about $3,500 cash inside. He was beside himself.

When he made it home, he told his roommate about his discovery. She cautioned him that someone would come looking for the money and, at some point; he had to make a decision about how he wanted to proceed. He strongly contemplated on keeping the money.

The next afternoon, the same man from the night before stopped in again. The man asked Ernie if anyone found an envelope the night before. Ernie had no knowledge of the situation, and replied, “No.” As the mystery man was leaving, Carlos spoke up and admitted to finding the envelope. He did the right thing and returned the envelope to the man.

The man gave him a $50 reward. Carlos accepted the reward but gave it to Missy. He believed Missy and her boyfriend would enjoy a nice meal together. To his surprise, he felt better giving the money back than keeping it.

That night when he got home, his roommate said to him, “I was wondering what you would do. In my heart I knew you would do the right thing. I admire you for your act of goodness.”

Jody had a unique position of employment – one that most people would probably enjoy. Though it did have its draw backs, allow me to explain…

Jody visited the R&H Discount Emporium to buy stockings. When she arrived, she headed to the information desk to inquire about where she could find the item. Sarah, the very polite clerk, gave her the information and sent Jody on her way.

Jody walked toward the self that held the stockings. Fifteen feet away from her goal, Jody purposely knocked over a display of “malted milk balls” that were on a shelf near the stockings. The nearby clerk, Tre, rushed over screaming, “do you realize how long that will take me to restock!” Jody was unhappy with Tre’s rude tone but, true to her nature, she walked off.

What no-one knew, but would find out the next morning, is that Jody was a “mystery shopper” sent by the store to conduct research on how employees functioned. Pursuant to her report, Sarah was promoted to a higher position, and commended for her customer service skills. Tre, on the other hand, was given a pink slip and let go. He had to take a trip to the unemployment line.

The moral of this story: you, the consumer/customer, must be treated with respect in all situations. Understand that companies must serve your needs and not their own. Never allow your rights or freedom to be compromised. You’re the reason why businesses exist!

Mary Lou used to consider her a “weird” individual, because she had an uncanny knack for remembering everything that was said on television shows. She developed this ability from the young age of seven. Her parents tended to side with others, and thought she was strange.

To the outsiders, the strangeness, if you will, came from their lack of understanding of how a person of 22 years old could remember every word said on T.V., but could not remember details of her own personal life such as hospital visits, job interviews, etc.

At 22 years old, Mary Lou decided to explore why she was so able in one area and not the others. She felt memory was the cornerstone of all areas. She met Dr. Lindstrom for an examination. He ran routine brain scans to determine where this dissection came from. His report concluded that she had a mild form of a disease that blocked certain brain waves. He informed her that treatment was available.

Mary Lou took advantage of her medical options. Over a 4 1/2 month period, she went through intensive procedures to correct her condition. Today at 25 years old, Mary Lou is blessed to have sought out Dr. Lindstrom. Great strides have taken place in her life over the last 2 years.

Mary Lou now works at one of the most prestigious brokerage firms in her city. She is using her talents to memorize and dispense statistics to fellow traders. Her unique talent speeds up the process of decision making on long-term investing. She is presently one of the greatest assets to the company.

Luckily, Mary Lou didn’t give in to her disease. She found ways to capitalize on her asset. One lesson she thought: to be an asset, you must cultivate your asset!

Regina was born and raised in East Saint Louis. She was living in a single parent home along with her brother, who was physically challenged. Regina’s mother, Tanya, worked a great deal to keep the family in the modest accommodations they could afford.

Regina, at age 15, somehow saw this life as unsuccessful and frustrating. She was the oldest, and cared for her 9 year old brother Wilson. Due to Wilson’s birth defect, he had limited mobility; the bulk of the responsibility fell to Regina to see that the household chores were completed. Regina at some point became a product of her environment as she saw almost no hope of freedom from her surroundings.

Regina, if the truth be told, saw her brother as a hindrance and an “anchor” to any progress she tried to accomplish. She frequently transferred her feelings to Wilson, making him the brunt of her emotional stagnation. Wilson, however, did not absorb these outbursts. He chose to continue to be the free spirited child he had always been even though his handicap challenged him on a daily basis. Wilson had a spirit that never gave up.

Twelve months later, Regina sat with her mother at the dinner table discussing her progress in school. Her mother was extremely proud of her grades. Tanya said to Regina, “I am grateful to you for all you have done around the house, and especially all you have done for Wilson.”

Regina began to cry uncontrollably. Her mother hugged her to help subside the tears. Assuming the tears were from joy, Tanya said, “I did not mean to embarrass you.” Regina quickly replied, “You didn’t embarrass me. I just don’t know if you understand. A year ago I had given up on school. Because of watching Wilson struggling daily to accomplish basic tasks, the things I take for granted, I softened my heart. Wilson has inspired me, mom!”

Three years later on graduation day, Regina received her high school diploma. Later that day she gathered around the table to celebrate with her family. She toasted to Wilson and presented him with her diploma. With love she said, “This is just as much yours as it is mine. You gave me hope, and I love you.”

Regina would leave for Michigan State University with Wilson in her heart… Sometimes you need that special someone who inspires, and helps you along that lonesome journey.

Shane grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He had a gift, or more like an ability to see things before they appeared. Shane parlayed this talent in to an art scholarship at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA). Prior to his departure for school, Shane was a little apprehensive due to his limited exposure to “big-city” life.

Two months after arriving in Los Angeles, Shane had come to form a comfort zone with his new roommate Joshua. Josh was a local from San Bernardino. They did everything together, and were thriving in their mutual pursuits.

Midway through Shane’s freshman year, his art work was getting noticed frequently. You might say he was building up quite a following with his contemporary water colors. Mr. Lowell became an admirer.

Mr. Lowell was the owner of Mystics Art Boutique. He approached Shane one day on campus to propose on an idea he had. After formal introductions combined with small talk, Mr. Lowell asked Shane if he would be interested in presenting his artwork at Mystics Art Boutiques’ gallery. This caught Shane off guard, and even though he was elated, he generally allowed his Iowan Humble roots to keep him from being too proud.

On this occasion Shane agreed whole heartedly, not wanting to miss an opportunity to further his career. When Shane showed his good fortune with Joshua, a question arose in Joshua’s mind. Josh brought it forth for Shane to contemplate.

Josh asked, “How much do you know about this man or his company?” Shane replied, “Not a whole lot but I have driven by his boutique a few times while going to class.” Josh suggested that Shane do some due diligence before handing any artwork to a stranger.

Shane contacted the Better Business Bureau. After speaking to a representative, he discovered Mr. Lowell was not always the credible art dealer he portrayed. It seems that four times in the last 18 months he sold replica paintings of artwork he had been given, while no one knew to this day where the originals had gone. At present, Mr. Lowell was under a cloud of suspicion.

Over dinner a week later, Shane thanked Josh profusely for his advice. Josh said, “I realize your work was not that of Picasso, but yours is valuable and learning this lesson can and will aid you long term.”

Shane realized he owed his friend one. Shane told Josh, “you’re a legitimate friend; I hope you are always in my life.”

Ray, who is Jerry’s father, was viewed by his son as a person who did not quite fit the “norm.” Jerry felt his dad did not live in the present times. Ray tended to carry the values of the past, which to Jerry had no place in 2011.

His father was a man who went to work daily if required. He rose at 4 A.M. each morning, well before the sun came up. Ray met his obligations in all aspects of life. He was reliable.

Where the “rub” came in for Jerry was when Ray had to decide between a planned fishing trip and an unexpected work related endeavor. When Ray was interviewed for his job, his employer explained that on occasion it would be necessary to be “on-call.” Aware of the circumstance, Ray accepted the job. So, when this precarious choice came about, his decision was easy. He remained reliable to his employer.

Jerry saw a man that let him down. It was almost like his father became “senile.” He wondered what planet his father was from. No one choose work over play. In his defense, Ray reminded his son how young he was.

Fast forward to three years down the road… Jerry is applying for a high risk mortgage loan. His limited employment requires a reliable co-signer. Jerry can’t get the loan on his own. He contemplates the situation. He swallows his pride, and calls the one man who fits the criteria… his father.

Sitting in the living room of his comfortable home, Ray listens to Jerry’s dilemma. When it comes time to give his answer, Ray takes a full minute before he asks, “wouldn’t you rather go fishing, Jerry?” Then Ray let out a loud laugh and continues, “Sure I will help you son. That is why I chose work on occasion over play. I have to be reliable to my work, but more reliable to my family.”

Reliability is not easy, nor is it something most people seek to possess. It’s an invaluable character trait. Always remember what your priorities are!