I remember this one time we went to a pizza spot. If anyone knows him, you know pizza is his favorite food. You would also know that he likes his beverages at room temperature, hence him always ordering with “NO ICE PLEASE!”

On our last round of drinks before heading home Dale ordered another ginger ale. Apparently the server forgot this time and brought his drink with ice. He turns and looks at me looking to make sure it’s ok to let him know he ordered without ice. I gave a nod and he said “excuse me, I ordered with no ice please.”

The server took the drink back, never uttered a word and returned shortly with Dale’s beverage, with no ice. Dale smiles, you know his ear to ear smile, and says “thank you so much, you know you’re doing a good job, but you’re going to have to learn how to accept feedback.” The server looked at me and I did a little nervous giggle and to my surprise, thank goodness, he laughed. He said you’re right buddy, I can do better.

Accepting feedback was one of his goals on his IEP (Individual Education Plan.) We had just had an update meeting about a month prior to this so I guess it was still fresh on his mind. Priceless…..LOL!!! It was truly a tough 15 seconds, I was trying to figure out how I was going to wiggle out of that one until the server laughed. He hadn’t smiled our entire visit. That’s Dale, he has a way of turning someone’s day around, and most appreciate it.