Danielle Grobber was a young woman accustomed to getting her way. With her beauty, intelligence, and talent, she had always managed to charm her way out of trouble. But her privileged upbringing had also made her spoiled and arrogant.
One day, Danielle’s father took her on a shopping spree before her two-week vacation to the Caribbean. After lunch, she strolled into her father’s office building, eating a burger and fries, and leaving her trash on a bench.
A gentle voice stopped her. “Excuse me, miss! Please pick up your trash and put it in the bin.” It was the janitor, Mr. Terence.
Danie turned around, stared at him, and arrogantly replied, “I don’t clean up! People clean up for ME. People like you, the servant class – isn’t that your job?”
Mr. Terence flushed, explaining that his job was to keep the building clean, but Danielle’s actions were disrespectful.
Just then, Danielle’s father, Jack, appeared, his face thunderous. “Who do you think you are?” he asked. “How dare you humiliate this man?”
Danie tried to sweet-talk her way out, but Jack saw through her act. He realized he had to teach her a lesson.
“Apologize to Mr. Terence,” Jack ordered. Then, he had a brilliant idea. “Mr. Terence, you need a vacation! I’m giving you two weeks off and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Bahamas for you and your wife.”
But there was a catch – Danielle would fill in for Mr. Terence during his absence.
Danie was horrified. “Cleaning toilets? Sweeping? Picking up other people’s trash? I won’t do it!”
Jack stood firm. “You will, or I’ll cut off your allowance and take away your convertible.”
Danie realized she had crossed a boundary. Her father would not be swayed.
On Monday, Danie donned her uniform and began her janitorial duties. By the end of the day, she was exhausted, her nails ruined, and her hands sore.
When Mr. Terence returned from the Bahamas, Danie had transformed. She had learned the value of hard work and respect for those who do it.
From that day forward, Danie never disrespected anyone for doing a hard day’s work. She had finally learned humility.
As Jack watched his daughter grow, he knew he had made the right decision. Sometimes, tough love is the best kind.
