When a child is born with a special condition, parents and society, most times, consider their existence to be a burden to be borne for life. But when these children are given proper guidance and training based on their capabilities, they surely can be useful members of society.
Freia David from Massachusetts, a worker with McDonalds in Needham, had become face of the fast-food chain. She worked at the French Fry station continuously for more than 3 decades.
David had become the identity of the fast-food joint; her ever smiling face and warm hugs, were a favorite, both with her coworkers and customers. When she was to retire, McDonalds organized a retirement party for her on the Monday before her official retirement.
What followed was unimaginable!
David in the 1980s (Image credit Charles River Center)
The place was loaded with Disney-themed accessories where co-workers and customers showered her with gifts and smothered her with hugs and kisses. It was so obvious that everyone was going to miss seeing this lovely soul at the restaurant.
“She is one of the most beautiful and upbeat people you could ever hope to know and I know,” wrote loyal patron Christopher Sheehan on Facebook — Sheehan grew up with David and the two are still close.
She was also offered a lifetime gift by McDonalds of a free meal whenever she felt like walking in.
She grew up in a Charles River Center-supported home. The center is a well-known nonprofit organization that provides job training and housing for nearly 1,000 children, and adults with developmental disabilities. After suitable training, they then place them in appropriate jobs, thus providing employment.
Christopher Sheehan with David at the McDonald’s restaurant in Needham. (Facebook)
McDonalds was one of the first companies to team up with the organization and provide placements for those suitable, and who needed the job the most.
The faithful and hardworking employee had a wonderful time working at the McDonalds for the past more than thirty years, but she still surely has a lot more life left in her to continue with the next stage of her life.
With a little encouragement and a positive attitude, someone with developmental disabilities can prove to be a contributing member to the community.
Watch the NBC News video below!
This story was originally published on CBS Botson.
