The work ethic of a 16-year-old cashier at a pizza restaurant in Missouri left a strong impression with at least one customer.
Ryheem Lumpkins has been working the register at Independence Pizza Ranch for about a month. When no one is in line to pay, he’s busy sweeping floors and wiping down the buffet.
He’s usually quiet and introverted, but the job has shown another side to his personality.
Lumpkins said, “I see new people. I get excited when I see them. I never knew I could get excited when I see people.”
Customer Robert Samay was so impressed by the teen’s attitude he gave him a $5 tip.
Tuesday, he returned to the restaurant with a surprise he hoped would make Lumpkins’ day and then some.
Samay said to Lumpkins, “I appreciate your hard work, your good smile, your good attitude. We don’t get that nowadays, especially with young kids.”
Samay’s friend pulled out a stack of $50 bills and began counting until he reached $2,500. As the number grew, Lumpkins wiped tears from his eyes.
“To be honest, I was speechless,” Lumpkins said. “I never had anything in my life that had happened to me like that before.”
It wasn’t just the money; it was the gesture that meant a lot to the teen.
It wasn’t until he picked up the cash, that it became clear Lumpkins’ hands and arms were different from most. They never fully developed.
Lumpkins said, “I don’t describe it as a condition. God made me like this for a reason. I’m a regular person. I don’t think of it as a disability.”