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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGann sees more than just faces on her shifts; she sees life\u2019s ups and downs. Good times are celebrated, like birthdays and anniversaries. When her customers face challenges, she feels those, too. And when her customers are not able to come back, they take a bit of her heart with them. \u201cSome just don\u2019t see it, but it takes a toll on my heart,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And it goes both ways. Gann\u2019s customers’ hearts break with hers as well. Recently, she lost someone very close to her and continues to grieve. Her regulars know her loss, and their prayers and hugs have helped. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unaware to her customers, their humor in her booths and tables has saved her. The unpredictability and negativity has left no rock unturned, affecting every person on all corners of the globe. Diners, like Gann\u2019s, are no different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI totally understand the situation. If I can do something to put a smile on their face, it helps me control myself, getting everybody laughing. We all have bad days,\u201d Gann said, \u201cIf I can make you smile, then we\u2019ve accomplished the day.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her work ethic sets the bar high for co-workers, many of whom she\u2019s helped train. Perhaps intimidated by her boldness, some say they wish they could be more like her. \u201cThey\u2019re learning. When they say they wish they were more like me, I tell them, you can; just jump in there.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gann\u2019s mother, Faye Duke, is also her co-worker and has shaped Gann\u2019s personality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe worked together on third shift for a long time. We were a great team. Lots of people don\u2019t know she\u2019s my mama. When we\u2019re here, we treat each other professionally, but when we walk out that door, we\u2019re mother and daughter.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n After many years on her feet, the job has taken a toll on her body. Gann shows up, despite the pain, motivated by the connection to her customers and her co-workers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy body\u2019s so out of whack, but what keeps me going the most is my customers. They matter to me.\u201d Striving to set an example for her two adult children and four grandchildren, Gann said, \u201cI want them to be strong and to know that I never gave up.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even on your way out, Gann\u2019s got her eye on you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cY\u2019all have a good day,\u201d she says, as the customers head home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shelley Gann warms hearts and lightens spirits – no extra charge. -GN<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BEFORE THE door closes behind you, the greetings near the counter meet you. And if you\u2019re a regular, your table\u2019s already set with your drink order. Only once will lifelong Bedford County resident Shelley Gann be a stranger to you. Her customers are more than customers \u2013 they\u2019re friends. At the age of 12, Gann […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":15416,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13122","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DSC00196-1024x683.jpg\")
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