This is a story about an unforgettable poem I learned many years ago.

This is a story about a very unique poem that I learned many years ago when I first started working. It has stayed with me for over thirty years and to this day still makes me smile and brings perspective to difficult situations and people.

During my last two years of high school and first few years of college, I worked at our neighborhood drug store, where my dad was a pharmacist for most of his career. This little family-owned, town-staple was called Goldin Pharmacy. The owner was a very intelligent, unique, warm and friendly character named Bernard Goldin.

This was back in the day way before Walgreen’s, Rite Aid, Eckerd’s and CVS took over the industry. During this time your neighborhood pharmacy was part of your local culture. The pharmacists were well respected and treated like doctors. Everyone knew their pharmacists by name, and many loyal customers even called them doc. Frequently, patients would ask for a private conference with a pharmacist before they even went to a doctor.

Like today, you could find just about anything at these stores like: cosmetics, over the counter medications, candy, gifts, greeting cards, cigarettes etc. However, back then, there seemed to be something much more friendly and warm about local pharmacies as compared to today. Part of the reason for that is stores are no longer individually owned and the passion for the industry, which included knowledgeable, one-on-one customer service, is disappearing.

Back then, every employee had a responsibility to connect with the customers and residents of the area. You were accountable for knowing as much about the store, the products and the patrons as humanly possible. The job included giving service consistently with warmth, kindness and patience no matter how difficult the situation or the customer. Most people came in expecting to feel better, and it was your job to help make that happen.

At times the profession and field were thankless because the expression of gratitude from customers came few and far between. The gratification came from within, by knowing you helped someone who was not feeling well. Although sometimes no matter what you did, it did not feel like enough, you never portrayed that to paying customers.

Work ethic like this starts at the top, and Bernard Goldin was no exception. He did not only talk the talk, he walked the walk. In his mid sixties at the time, Bernie stood about five foot six and had a full head of completely white hair. He carried with him an aura of respect, not only because he was the boss, but also because he treated his customers the way he wanted you to treat them, with a consistent grace and goodness that you could only admire and hope to emulate.

Don’t get me wrong. Bernie had his limits and faults, but customers would never know that. He kept his frustrations private. For instance, when he had a bad day, and his patience wore thin, he would wait until all of the customers were out of the store and then he would disappear into the back room or the bathroom. You wouldn’t hear a sound for a few seconds. Then suddenly out of no where, he would let out a blood curling scream. It sounded quite scary, but we all knew it was his way of releasing his tension. Actually, those episodes became quite comical because after a while we would know when he was about to blow. But, when he was done he’d come out smiling and laughing again.

To say he was a tad eccentric would be an understatement, but that was part of his charm and what for sure helped keep him sane during very difficult days. At times he would walk around mumbling to himself. No one had any idea what he was saying. Other times he would sing or whistle and not care who was listening. He’d even randomly point at something in the air, known only to himself.

Bernie had an incredibly funny and unique personality. He would often say that in order to make a living at this profession you needed a good sense of humor, because if you didn’t you would go home most days ready to pull your hair out.

He would always find something to laugh at or make fun of, but he would do it in a polite manner. For example, he walked in one day and said to me, “Good morning young man. I have one question for you. Are you, you?”

Being sixteen years old, I wanted to answer this question respectfully and correctly. I paused and could not come up with anything original or of value, so I offered, “ I guess so.”

Bernie grinned ear to ear. “No. Really. Are you, you?”

I gave a puzzled look, took a deep breath and tried to figure out if I had been given a trick question. “If you say so.” I offered.

Bernie slapped his hand on the counter and started cracking up. “Are you, you is on your license plate!” He began to howl with laughter. “The letters R U U are on your license plate, so I just figured I’d ask! Ha ha ha! Ahhhh, that was a good one!”

I shook my head and laughed along with him.

No matter how menial a task seemed, Bernie would always regard it as important, which made the person doing it feel valued instead of degraded. Part of his management style, which I emulate today, is he would never ask someone to do something he was not willing to do himself. One of those little jobs was breaking down cardboard boxes so they could fit in the garbage.

On one particular day, I had been assigned this task. I really didn’t mind it because it gave me a break from the customers. However, the pile of boxes stood about six feet high. I knew I would be there forever doing it. Bernie came sauntering in whistling and singing. “How’s that going young man?”

“I’m fine Bernie.”

“You need some help?”

“Nah. I got it?”

I turned to see Bernie rolling up his sleeves and grinning. “I’m real good at this you know.” He bragged.

I moved over to give him some room. “Well if you insist.”

“Okay, hand me one of those.” With that he jumped right in and started tearing up boxes.

He kept whistling and tearing. “I took a course in this you know and did real well.” Bernie informed me.

“Took a class in tearing up boxes?” I asked.

“Sure, it was called BG.”

The only thing that popped in my head was his initials, B.G. for Bernie Goldin. I knew he had me again, but I just could not figure where he was going with this. “BG? What was it called?”

With a straight face he looked right into my eyes. “Breaking Garbage.”

He started laughing hysterically. “Gotcha again, didn’t I?”

One of Bernie’s favorite sayings was his own version of a famous Theodore Roosevelt quote. He some times would walk with a stick, cane or even an umbrella. He did not need one, but just liked it. One day, as he was getting ready to leave, he came over and asked me to do something special before I went home for the evening. I of course obliged.

He smiled at me and his bright blue eyes lit up. “Thank you young man. I will see you tomorrow.”

I waved as he began to walk down the aisle towards the door. “See you tomorrow Bernie!”

Suddenly he stopped, and turned around still holding his big grin. He began to wave his stick forcefully in the air high above his head and shouted, “Walk slowly and carry a big stick!” With that he busted out laughing again and practically danced out the door, giggling to himself. Everyone in the place started cracking up.

I turned to Dave one of the pharmacists and said, “Isn’t it speak softly and carry a big stick?”

Dave laughed. “For someone else it is, but not for Bernie!”

What I began to realize over time was that Bernie’s sense of humor and humility were large contributors to his success. These attributes allowed him to flourish in what can sometimes be described as an unappreciated field and profession. Back in the day, pharmacies were true problem centers and pharmacists were problem solvers. Most of the customers were of course sick and many you could not please no matter how hard you tried. Of course, there were many people who were very kind and grateful for the assistance. It is those people who made it worthwhile. However, Bernie regarded these folks as the easy wins.

It takes a special breed of person to work in any field that involves service to the sad, sick and sometimes ungrateful. It takes an even more special person to thrive in that environment and find a way to rise above their suffering, by working with them and discovering a silver lining of humor during the most difficult challenges. That is exactly what Bernie did.

The very first day I started working there Bernie pointed something out to me that he had hanging on the wall above the entrance to the pharmacy area and the back of the store. I will never forget it. As he led me to the back, he stopped and pointed up above his head. “Read that young man. Read it every day. Memorize it and appreciate it. That is the key.”

I stopped, looked up and read it very quickly. I did not catch on to its meaning right away. But he knew, he knew that between his leading by example and that poem, I would soon understand.

Before I knew it, I found myself looking up and reading that poem every single day that I worked. It did not take me long to memorize it. I worked there for almost five years and had no idea how much of an effect that poem would have on me and how I would never, ever forget it.

It has helped me in just about every job I ever had, and it still does today. I appreciate it more and more every time I recite it. Over thirty years later I not only appreciate the brilliance and humor of the man who hung it on his store wall, I appreciate the person who penned it. The problem is, to this day, we do not know who that is. At the bottom of the poster, it stated, Author Unknown.

I am in no way trying to plagiarize or take credit for this piece of work. On the contrary I would like to give credit to whomever wrote it. Not knowing who that is I can’t. All I can do is pass it along and help others enjoy it.

Being I cannot thank the author directly, I would like to thank Bernard Goldin. Bernie passed away quite a few years ago, but I am sure he is smiling right now. He is for sure one boss that I will never forget.

So, regardless of your walk of life or your profession I am sure you can relate to the message and humor involved with this little masterpiece. If you are constantly surrounded by people who do not appreciate what you do, what you give, or the service you provide, read this and keep reading it. I guarantee it will make you feel better. It works for me and has for many years. Here is the poem. It’s titled, “We the Willing…”

We the willing

Led by the unknowing

Are doing the impossible

For the ungrateful

And have done so much

For so long,

With so little

We are now qualified

To do anything with nothing

47
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Comments (66)
  • hfj on May 6, 2009

    Great story Peter. You brought back so many memories for me with this story. One of my best friends dad own such a little drug store as you descibed in your write. We would hang out there quite often, and the scene you painted with your story was exactly as i remember that little drug store and its customers. Bernie was a great person and example for you in your early life, and as you stated, has followed you into adulthood. The poem was also great. Thanks pal for sharing. Well done.

  • C Jordan on May 6, 2009

    Well written Peter. That was a really interesting story.
    I have seen those words attributed to Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
    However it may be that she too, was in turn quoting.

  • Alina Beck on May 6, 2009

    That was a great story and a lovely tribute to your pharmacist boss. I’ve come across the poem before – it is a favourite among teachers!

  • Sheila M on May 6, 2009

    This was a wonderful story Peter! Gave me goosebumps. It’s funny how, at the time, we think the people we meet and the things we do are insignificant (perhaps just another job) but later on realize how much a part of the plan it really was. You can look back, sigh, nod your head and say ‘oh yea’ Love the poem and this is the first time I have seen that one. Thanks so much for sharing this!!
    xoxoxox

  • Ruby Hawk on May 6, 2009

    That is one of the best stories I have heard. How wonderful Bernie was. I wish my grandson who is graduating this month could be so lucky as to have a boss like Bernie.The poem says it all.It’s a good one to think about as you go about your work day.

  • Yovita on May 7, 2009

    Thanks for sharing this great story!

  • clay hurtubise on May 7, 2009

    Nice work!
    Thanks,
    clay

  • Alexa Gates on May 7, 2009

    Great work!

  • Momma Tells on May 7, 2009

    It would be nice if customer service was like this now-a-days! Thanks for sharing a piece of the past,

    My best to you,
    Momma Tells

  • Josey on May 8, 2009

    I can relate to this story so much. I worked at a small-town pharmacy in highschool and college for four years. I still say it was the best job I ever had! I love the saying too. That is something to never forget. Great write up. I will stumble this and hopefully you’ll get some more readers. Take care!

  • Anne McNew on May 8, 2009

    Nice story Peter. Thanks for sharing this to us…

  • Judy Sheldon on May 8, 2009

    Unfortunately the mom and pop stores are being replaced by corporations. We are no longer on a first name basis with our boss. I worked at RiteAid, Family Dollar and Dollar General in management but management at a local level is such a stretch from the top. How can we keep a friendly atmosphere when everything is so big and impersonal. We strive, but it is not the same.

    Thanks so much for sharing. I would like to send that out to all these CEOs who have private jets and summer homes but have no idea how hard their employees are working for them and barely making minimum wages.

  • Lost in Arizona on May 9, 2009

    I remember my dad telling me this poem as a kid, as a way of telling me to never give up, no matter how hard things may get, no matter how much we may do without so much as a thank you. It was something he learned at West Point. To this day, no matter how hard, how much I want to give in and say “forget it, ” I think about this, look at my kids, and know that deep down, it will be okay, no matter what. :-)

  • CHAN LEE PENG on May 9, 2009

    Thanks for sharing. Good story here.

  • Cara Boynton on May 9, 2009

    What a wonderful story! My husband is in the medical field, I will forward this story to him, he will enjoy it as well. Thanks for sharing!

  • Katien on May 9, 2009

    That is lovely. People like Bernie are real treasures. What a shame there are so few small shops like that left.

  • Kairos on May 9, 2009

    Thanks for sharing Peter. It does not only apply to the pharmacists but to all who wants to make change…

  • B Nelson on May 9, 2009

    excellent story, thank you for sharing.

  • Rana Sinha on May 9, 2009

    Nice story. Quite a character this Bernie!

  • Inna Tysoe on May 9, 2009

    Great story. Bernie reminds me of the guy who owns the deli around the block from us…

    Best,

    Inna

  • ShelliLynn on May 9, 2009

    I enjoyed reading your story, and i like the poem too..very inspirational :)

  • lindalulu on May 10, 2009

    Great story Peter…

  • Abhichoco on May 10, 2009

    Oh my god!!..i glad i read it..it is awesome…real super…ur so cool dude…

  • richard reed on May 10, 2009

    Great like always Peter! your writes always keep me intrested and informed…relly awesome,you truly haved me hooked buddy..
    thanks so much stay blessed always..your Fan / your Friend Rich

  • Denise Kawaii on May 11, 2009

    What an amazing man, and a great story that you formed together. I am glad I read this too, as sometimes it feels like work is too challenging to put up with! It is great to know that you had a great boss, and that he taught you how to be a great boss. We need more of you! :)

  • kate smedley on May 11, 2009

    Lovely and inspirational story Peter, thank you!

  • empyrean lyrist on May 11, 2009

    OMGoodness..This was wonderful thank you for sharing..I can relate. I had several jobs where people were ungrateful hard, to work with, both staff and clients..I understand completely. I just recently did a writing project for someone. They have been ungrateful as well. But Like your friend, if you put humor to it, it lightens the blow. I also just pray and give it to God..But this was such a blessing to read.

  • Darla Smith on May 11, 2009

    A wonderful story, Peter! Thanks for sharing it. I enjoyed reading it very much.

  • Kimber777 on May 11, 2009

    Great story! A nice tribute to your friend:)

  • Bo Jack Russo on May 11, 2009

    Enjoyable read Pete,I spent several years in a drugstore chain and on many occasions had to rely on my sense of humor to get the customers in a better mood.I had a boss a lot like Bernie,I truly loved that man.

  • Vikram Chhabra on May 11, 2009

    This was a remarkable piece. The buildup was superb and the poem hit the core!!

  • ayaBee on May 13, 2009

    nice story… great poem! thanks for sharing

  • 12thofnever on May 13, 2009

    this is great! I’m gonna learn new things from you.:)

  • Poetic Enigma on May 14, 2009

    This is a wonderful story
    Thanks for sharing!

  • swatilohani on May 16, 2009

    liked your story, thnx for sharing

  • Resounding Glass on May 16, 2009

    Great story. It was well written and enjoyable.

    Thanks for sharing the poem and your story,

    -Resounding Glass

  • Moses Ingram on May 16, 2009

    Hi Peter, I haven’t been on the site much recently and just saw your message. This is a delightful story and makes for enjoyable reading. I also copied the poem and thanks for posting it.
    Mose

  • swatilohani on May 18, 2009

    nice story

  • woundedsoul6 on May 20, 2009

    Wonderful Story peter.
    Sorry I haven’t written in a while. Lot’s going on around here too.
    Thanks for sharing yet another piece into the glimpse of life via peter. Loved it.

    tina

  • goodselfme on May 21, 2009

    I not only enjoyed your story, I recall the time you described. I also know that poem well. What a great combination you have put together here, my friend. Thank you for the zeal in all this work.

  • Princess Arabia on May 21, 2009

    Love this peter, and what a lovely tribute its very well writen as well, sorry not been around your stuff i feel kind of guilty as you have always looked at my work thankyou.
    Once again love this keep up the good work my friend.

  • PR Mace on May 23, 2009

    Quite a nice story.

  • CutestPrincess on May 27, 2009

    what a wonderful story, Peter… keep doing something like this!

  • Michele Cameron Drew on May 29, 2009

    I have read this poem somewhere before…
    I have no idea where it was though.

    Great story, Peter! I always love stories about heroes. It is so true what you say about the changes in the industry, in most interactive industries, really.

    You should enter one in Spectrum’s contest. :)

    -M

  • Aristate on May 29, 2009

    Hey Pete Well done It tells so well I feel I am there Sweet read
    TATE

  • coffeeadict on Jun 8, 2009

    Charmingly told, it tranfers you right in the drug store of good old times. These days we should rethink our values – when I read, it was enough for them to have the feeling of helping other people, you just miss someting ethical in people these days too often…

  • JJ Patton on Jun 9, 2009

    I live in a small town, and we still have a Mom & Pop drug store operation. They’ve owned the pharmacy since I was a child. I distinctly remember the feeling you’re describing. Good job!

  • Conner Good on Jun 27, 2009

    this was a very nice read. thanks for sharing.

  • Mary J Dressel on Jul 25, 2009

    Peter, this is a wonderful piece of writing. I could picture everything you wrote about, and when I came across, Author Unknown, it made me wonder about the author. What I wondered was… Could that have been Bernard Goldin? Did you ever think of that? He sounds like a great person to know, and it’s apparent he was a teriffic role model for you! Once again, Great writing!

    Thanks for sharing this.

    Mary J.
    http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com

  • sweetievee on Aug 6, 2009

    :) My grandpa sort of reminds me of Bernie! He also carried a stick with him when he walked and would sometimes quote that saying!

  • Emma Green on Aug 11, 2009

    Well done what an enjoyable story!

  • PhoenixRox on Aug 13, 2009

    I have to find time to read more of your work.I love it! I love that you pull out these experiences from your life and then connect with us, the readers.Very very nice. I loved the story and I had forgotten about this poem till I read it again. Bernie must have been a riot.LOL. R U U and BG.. too cool..lol :)

  • Nisa West on Aug 13, 2009

    Great story! I love this: R U U
    :)

  • MySoldiersSweetheart on Aug 18, 2009

    So many people forget to take the time to do something for someone else. At least back then, people loved their job because of what they did for others. I loved this article

  • vorvisurfan on Aug 28, 2009

    nicely done!

  • anita mardon on Aug 30, 2009

    great work thought that was a very good tail well done

  • letzbefrienz on Sep 2, 2009

    wow, informative..

  • Joshua Miguel on Sep 6, 2009

    just catching up, i really find your post very entertaining. well done pete!

  • Maggie Hoffie on Sep 15, 2009

    This is fantastic! Congrats, Peter.

  • visionvision on Sep 24, 2009

    just excellent great good what else can i say ur too good

  • sexyme on Oct 9, 2009

    I am willing to read it

    again and again

    too good

    indeed

  • Themax on Nov 17, 2009

    really great story and thouht provoking peter and thanks for sharing :)

  • lillyrose on Nov 18, 2009

    Lovely story!

  • Francy on Nov 20, 2009

    Great work. and good comments too.
    Keep it up.
    I like your works.

  • Authoress Terry E. Lyle on Nov 21, 2009

    This was a awesome story, and it took me down memory lane. Thanks :) :) :)

  • Vincent Eggleston Jr on Nov 21, 2009

    my sister is in the medical field and she is is going to love this.

    good read

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