Goodbye, Mr. Foster
Wednesday, September 3, 2008

I met him at least eight years ago—maybe ten—on Concourse A at the Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport. He wore black pants and a white shirt with a black tie and bib apron. "Let me carry that for you, young man," he said, noticing the balancing act I was performing with my luggage and the tray of food from Paschal's Restaurant that included iced tea and peach cobbler. He didn't wait for me to say yes or no. The old fellow just grabbed my tray with a smile and was off, limping heavily on one leg that was obviously shorter than the other.
I followed him around the escalator to an empty group of tables I had never noticed and it was only then when I realized that he had also brought napkins, a straw, and packages of salt and pepper ... items I usually forget. With a flourish, he wiped a table, removed my plate from the tray and arranged it carefully with the napkins and the iced tea. Pulling back my chair as I hurriedly retrieved three, one-dollar bills from my pocket, he smiled and said, "God bless you." His nametag read: FOSTER.
After I had eaten, I walked back around to the food court, curious to see if this was a new service the airport had put in place. Certainly, I had never been "helped" before. I saw several other men and women dressed like my new friend, loosely assembled, and talking with each other, waiting without enthusiasm for tables to come empty. At that point, one of them would disengage from the group, clear any trash left on the table, wipe it down and return to their coworkers.
Glancing around the huge area, I quickly spotted Foster. Smiling, laughing, and moving fast, he helped one person after another. Mothers traveling alone with children or elderly people seemed to catch his eye first. He never waited to be summoned. He went where he was needed. Most were like me—shocked at the help—and looked around as if there might be a hidden camera recording this amazing event. I watched for fifteen minutes before heading to my flight and counted six people or groups of people he had helped during that time.
I was back through the Atlanta airport the next day and couldn't wait to visit the food court again. Sure enough, there he was, the old man with the big smile. He didn't have time to talk, but he helped me to a table as he had the day before (with napkins, salt and pepper, and a straw) and said, "God bless you, young man," as he held out my chair.
I had a twenty folded and ready to place in his hand that day. I was impressed and inspired by this old man who struggled to walk, yet moved like a dervish as he cleaned empty tables and looked for people to serve. From that day forward, he was Mister Foster to me.
As the years rolled by, I developed a great admiration for Mr. Foster. I saw him several times each month and introduced him to my wife and boys along with anyone else with whom I might have been traveling. "Watch this guy," I would always instruct as he left our table. "And watch that bunch of other people over there dressed just like him." The contrast was clear.
I enjoyed contributing to his financial well being—especially during the holidays—because he worked hard helping those who needed help. I never once suspected Mr. Foster was making a play for tips. In fact, though I rarely slipped him less than twenty dollars, he often made me wait while he helped someone in obvious need of assistance. And whether they offered money or not, he always smiled, held their chairs and said, "God bless you."
And then he was gone.
About eighteen months ago, unable to find my friend in the crowd, I asked the ladies at Paschal's, "Where is Mr. Foster today?"
"Fired," they told me.
"What?" I asked, not believing what I had heard.
"That's right," the ladies all nodded. "They fired him. Humiliated him. Sent the man home!"
"Who fired him?" I said, stopping the buffet line in its tracks. "And for what?"
The Atlanta Airport Authority, I was told, had determined that Mr. Foster had become "a distraction". They ordered him to stop helping people. "Stand with everyone else," he was told, "and wait for the tables to empty like you are supposed to. You are a busboy…act like one."
But who can act like a busboy when your heart tells you that you're so much more? He couldn't and he didn't and they fired him.
A few months later, he was back (happy as ever) on a trial basis. But I never again let him carry my tray. I did, however, continue with the twenties. And the fifties. And sometimes more. He took the money because I made him take it. I was mad for him and he knew it. His "God bless you's" often came to me with a tear. His spirit was gone.
Today, I went by Paschal's—Concourse A in the Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport. Before I could even ask, one of the ladies on the serving line spotted me. "I been expecting you," she said. "Mr. Foster's gone. He quit. He told 'em he was old and sick and couldn't do the work no more." Then she cocked her head and added with a whisper, "He ain't sick. There ain't nothing broken about that old man."
Nope, I thought as I turned away, there ain't nothing broken about that old man. Nothing but his heart.
Mr. Foster, I miss you. I am one among many who do, I suspect. So wherever you are ... God bless you.
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1. Chris - September 3, 2008 @ 10:54 PM
2. Rhonda Ferguson - September 3, 2008 @ 11:03 PM
I'm home with laryngits...terrible for a talker! Thinking I need a shot of Andy, and there it was in my inbox. From the title I expected to read a story of someone who had passed away. But it's almost worse....someone living his life with a servant's heart, and now it's broken.
Hopefully it will help him heal to know what an inspiration he is to others....how respected he is....and what a wonderful job he did.
I was never fortunate enough to meet FOSTER, but I wish I had.
Thanks for introducing me to Foster!"
3. linda lawther - September 3, 2008 @ 11:07 PM
I am quite familiar with you from the days when I attended Amway seminars. I continue to read your work.
This one (like many) touched my heart!I would like to share this story with others with your permission. Because in my association I have a monthly newsletter that reaches a readership of caregivers, I believe your message of servant leadership at its best is incredibly valuable, I would like to use your account. Because I teach future leaders in my profession, I think this message it vital to the information I provide.
Please contact me.
Respectfully, Linda Lawther"
4. Nick Francis - September 3, 2008 @ 11:09 PM
5. Jim - September 3, 2008 @ 11:10 PM
Your message on Mr. Foster needs to be read by every CEO in the country. Mr. Foster is the kind of person we need being a CEO. Delivering service, without complaint, to those who needed the most.
How he was treated was criminal. He should have been training the other bus persons on how to provide such service. Instead, he is treated like he was doing something wrong.
Please keep doing this kind of story, we need to hear more like it."
6. Renee Badertscher - September 3, 2008 @ 11:28 PM
7. John Rogers - September 3, 2008 @ 11:34 PM
8. Bonnie Latino - September 3, 2008 @ 11:50 PM
I LOVE YOU!
Bon in Atmore"
9. Stephanie - September 3, 2008 @ 11:58 PM
10. Mimi - September 4, 2008 @ 12:14 AM
11. Dave Paul - September 4, 2008 @ 12:27 AM
12. Brian Campbell - September 4, 2008 @ 6:29 AM
13. Gregg Dickson - September 4, 2008 @ 6:48 AM
http://www.atlanta-airport.com/contact_us/email_us.asp?to=concession"
14. Gregg Dickson - September 4, 2008 @ 6:55 AM
chilli.ewing@atlanta-airport.com
kyle.mastin@atlanta-airport.com
marcia.brown@atlanta-airport.com"
15. Pete Nehnevajsa - September 4, 2008 @ 7:25 AM
I was heartened and saddened to read your recent post on Mr. Foster. To find individuals like that who are willing to do more for others and do it cheerfully is becoming a rare commodity. As others have mentioned, I hope you have forwarded your note and a link to this blog to Paschal's and the Atlanta Airport (it could also be forwarded to several stores and restaurants that I frequent!).
Three cheers for Mr. Foster and his service to others, and three cheers for you, Andy, for reminding us that not all are standing by the sidelines in a clustered group just waiting to do only what they are paid to do."
16. Joe Meherg - September 4, 2008 @ 8:23 AM
I, too, met Mr. Foster. He was a BRIGHT LIGHT in a dark world. I loved to catch him standing by "his post" as he watched for people needing help.
It is a shame that people like him are fired when the group standing around should have been fired instead. We will see Mr. Foster again somewhere, maybe as a greeter at some store.
We can all take the service attitude of Mr. Foster and perpetuate his memory by giving of ourselves to others without thought of reward.
God Bless you as you remind us all of this need.
Joe Meherg
Deatsville, Alabama"
17. Joni Carpenter - September 4, 2008 @ 9:03 AM
18. Karen Jett - September 4, 2008 @ 9:25 AM
It's a sin!"
19. Jared - September 4, 2008 @ 10:00 AM
20. DeWcat - September 4, 2008 @ 10:20 AM
Foster "GET IT" My prayer is the rest of the world comes to "GET IT" as well.
God Bless You Foster!
Thanks for sharing this Andy!"
21. Roger Wright - September 4, 2008 @ 10:26 AM
=====================================
Greetings,
I recently read about a former employee of your facility. Mr Foster.
http://www.andyandrews.com/blog/goodbye-mr-foster/
The United States of America is built on people who have a "go getter" attitude like Mr Foster. Breaking them by forcing them to fit the mold of mediocrity is simply the fastest way to erode what is great about the USA.
Consider this..
If every soldier who ever charged against all odds and gave his life for his country had simply stood by his post and done the minimum, where would we be today?
If every Doctor gave up on research because his or her ideas were considered radical, where would we be today.
If every Teacher, police officer, fire fighter, paramedic did only the minimum.....or perhaps we should consider what would have happened if a group of brave souls back in the late 1700's had only done the minimum. Well you can see where this goes and you can probably envision a clear picture of where the USA would be today.
Oh I am sure you can give us all a number of company policy lines on how his job was to stand and wait and do this or that .. and how he violated those rules and being in an airport rules are important. However! someone from upper management should have taken 15 minutes to watch the reaction and the positive side of what he contributed and made a change to the rules its that simple.
It's never too late to change. God Bless"
22. Harriet Hilecher - September 4, 2008 @ 12:22 PM
23. Dr. Gloria Kennedy - September 4, 2008 @ 12:55 PM
24. Joseph Primm - September 4, 2008 @ 5:04 PM
25. Hartsfield-Jackson Public Relations - September 4, 2008 @ 5:08 PM
We’d first like to thank you for recognizing the commitment to customer service at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. What you witnessed is an example of the dedication to service excellence we strive to instill in every member of the Airport team.
We also want to provide some clarification. We’ve confirmed with Paschal’s management that Mr. Foster is still employed, however he is on medical leave. Mr. Foster is regarded as an outstanding employee and we wish him a speedy return to good health.
Finally, it’s important to point out the Airport does not have the authority to terminate individuals employed at any of the Airport’s retail or food and beverage establishments. These concessions are private businesses and they make their own personnel decisions.
Once again, thank you for your comments.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Public Relations"
26. Ralph Bellon - September 4, 2008 @ 5:57 PM
This story really touched my heart.
I may have seen Foster the times I was in Atlanta Airport,but never had the great pleasure of meeting him.
If there were a lot more people like him & you in this world, things would sure be different. :)
I know you don't remember me,but I had the honor of talking with you when you were in Venice, Fl about 1994. I have always loved your inspirational talks & have read many of your books.
God Bless you & all the "fosters" of the world"
27. Kevin Hodel - September 4, 2008 @ 8:17 PM
28. Norm - September 4, 2008 @ 8:53 PM
29. Bren - September 4, 2008 @ 11:05 PM
THANKS ANDY"
30. Tim K. - September 5, 2008 @ 8:56 AM
Ms. Foster's heart will slowly mend and the part of his soul that longs to help people will overcome.
Wherever Mr. Foster is and whatever he is doing, you can bet he is serving others and lifting spirits.
He can scarcely help himself. That's who he is and we are all blessed to have heard about him.
But what about us? Aristotle said "We are what we repeatedly do." That means each of us have a chance to become our own best version of ourselves - simply by changing the small things we do each day.
I challenge you to let Andy's story take root and see if someone blogs about you one day!
God bless."
31. Dave Timmons - September 5, 2008 @ 3:49 PM
32. Freddie Edenfield - September 5, 2008 @ 6:46 PM
33. Teri Martin - September 6, 2008 @ 10:35 AM
Keep'em coming!"
34. Kristina - September 6, 2008 @ 3:06 PM
I ran into you at the Coronado's gift shop on Tuesday before you spoke at our meeting. You told me about Mr. Foster and my comment to you was "send him to Trader Joe's". Seriously, there is a store in Atlanta with a really great manager that no doubt would love to meet Mr. Foster. Just a thought...no sense letting such a valuable man sit at home with a broken heart when he could be out enriching other people's lives like he did yours. It sure sounds like he enjoyed it.
If there is anything that I can do to help, please let me know.
Your Biggest Fan,
Kristina"
35. Frances Kranik - September 7, 2008 @ 5:51 PM
I am SO bummed out! As I read this I was remembering, I have a transfer in Atlanta next month as I fly to Nashville to celebrate my birthday with my sister. I so want to meet Mister Foster.
It is my hope that someone in Mister Foster's life w/email will somehow see this and let him know how much he and his spirit is missed. This world needs more not less Mister Fosters.
Thank you for sharing the story of such a wonderful human being.
An aspiring Mr. Foster/ Ms. Foster -
Frances"
36. Dixie - September 7, 2008 @ 9:44 PM
37. Bernie - September 8, 2008 @ 12:17 PM
Thanks Andy!"
38. Ralph - September 8, 2008 @ 2:31 PM
39. lam - September 10, 2008 @ 12:02 PM
40. Al King - September 10, 2008 @ 7:50 PM
Next time your in Atlanta at the airport please see if Mr. Foster would be interested in coming to the Gulf. I would love to have him do a seminar on the things that are so important to people that are obviously not being taught at home or school.
Thanks,
Al"
41. Noel Hinton - September 18, 2008 @ 10:42 AM
I try to live my life every day with the same spirit and although I am sometimes off the mark, this gives me encouragement that I may be able to help someone, some way, every day.
It's been a while since I heard you, and I loved seeing you in person, back in the mid-nineties during a seminar. I hope you and your family are well.
God Bless you, Andy,
Forever a Fan,
Love, Noel Hinton"
42. Helen Barnett - September 22, 2008 @ 10:19 PM
43. brent - September 23, 2008 @ 10:18 PM
What outright utter idiots that run this place! If and when I go through Atlanta again, I'll have a word with the 'management' of that place and you can count on it!
An intelligent business owner would see his business exponetialy explode if he we're lucky enough to land just a few of these types of people. May God bless this man whereever he is at. And if anyone on this site is from Atlanta and you own a business, don't be a dope! FIND HIM AND HIRE HIM IMMEDIATLY!!!
Take care Mr Foster.
Brent from Ft. Walton Beach"
44. Ken - September 26, 2008 @ 11:14 AM
Kind words are nice, easy, (and easy) but actions speak louder than words."
45. Elizabeth C. Price - September 26, 2008 @ 11:15 AM
46. Diana - September 26, 2008 @ 11:16 AM
47. Katharine Grimm - September 26, 2008 @ 11:16 AM
We have a 'Mr. Foster' at my company and she makes a world of difference to so many here. Some don't understand her, and it is a shame, but the ones that do, she always brightens their day.
Thank you for sharing.
Take Care,
Katharine"
48. Molly - September 26, 2008 @ 11:19 AM
Thank you so much for sharing this story!!!"
49. Mike F. - September 26, 2008 @ 11:28 AM
We are buckling to those who are minimal achievers and we not demanding what every business should expect...an honest days work for an honest days pay. I wish we had more Mr. Fosters."
50. Mary Guhin - September 26, 2008 @ 12:06 PM
Mr. Foster is a real person who is probably suffering. Someone knows how to find him and how to offer him one of the positions that has been discussed where his skill set will supposedly be appreciated. All of this chatting about how great he was and how our values are declining do not help Mr. Foster one bit, and in the latter case, are not even true. Anyone familiar with labor history knows that the truly excellent have often been punished for standing out.
More action -- less talk!"
51. Leslie - September 26, 2008 @ 12:36 PM
52. Annie - September 26, 2008 @ 1:31 PM
53. Stuart A. Moir - September 26, 2008 @ 4:14 PM
What an uplifting and yet heartbreaking story of human sacrifice and absolute dedication to one's fellow man. As someone who believed himself to be a successful HR executive, I am truly humbled by Mr. Foster. His everyday actions and care for others is a reminder to everyone in HR about what our mission should be: maintaining positive work environments while facilitating personal and professional growth and recognizing and exemplying extraordinary efforts.
In our fastpaced world where people climb over others to get to the top and profit from other's efforts and creativity, Mr. Foster is a beacon of spirit and genuine caring that we should all aspire to be.
If in fact Mr. Foster is on medical leave as the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's Public Relations has conveyed, then I stand ready, as I think everyone on this blog would, to contribute to a fund for his recovery and support during his convalescence. Should anyone find his name, address, phone number or contact infor, let us know. Unfortunately, I believe that what the employee's of Paschal's conveyed to you is probably more the truth than the PR Department's spin.
Thank You, Andy, for this story reminding me what is really important in this world !!
God Bless,
Stuart"
54. Diane - September 26, 2008 @ 5:03 PM
55. Karen Sabia - September 26, 2008 @ 5:16 PM
I was heartbroken to read the story about Foster. What is happening to the world.
I would like to send Foster a check. We should all send Foster a check!Help out this wonderful deserving and God loving man. A man who spread kindness and love to those he touched.
Andy, if you could obtain his name and address and share it with us I am sure that there are others who would contribute to helping Foster, such a kind soul. God love and shower him with blessings."
56. Dan Price - September 26, 2008 @ 7:02 PM
57. Trixie Henry - September 27, 2008 @ 9:43 AM
God bless you mr. Foster for keeping God in the forefront of your attitude."
58. Sheila - September 27, 2008 @ 3:57 PM
But I would like to address my words to all of those who have a heart to serve but echo the words of Diane,"...just blending with everyone else seems to be alot more acceptable in today society." I say a big resounding NEVER GIVE UP ON WHO YOU ARE. If your heart wants to give, then give. God designed you that way and to be less than that is telling God, find someone else to spread your love. I'm not allowed to. Fear of not being accepted keeps you from all that you have been created to be. Your destiny includes sharing with others. Don't cheat yourselves out of completing the task that God has set before you. Stand up for yourself. Stand up for all of the Foster's of this world. Together, we can make a difference. It is just what the world needs most. Just because there are people who want to put you in the same box that they are in doesn't mean you have to join them. Be strong ! Be courageous ! Dare to share the love of Christ in serving others even when it is not popular. Jesus never apologized to the Pharisees and Sadducees when He did not comform to their opinions. And Jesus is our example as to how we are to live and treat one another. Now go do the right thing !"
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95. Ray Belew - December 17, 2008 @ 7:20 PM
Wow! What an experience. God is always at work around us. Thank you for stopping long enough to see it. I just came to your website after the Gulf Shores Seminar. I am taking you up on your request to keep you in the loop of my impact on the future of our children, but more importantly "God's Glory". And I also know how important it is to have Wise Council. If you would have time to visit with a NEW small business owner from Foley AL, just let me know. I would love to meet with you and request your input on the business God gave me. Please feel free to visit my website at www.TheMastersButler.com. I thank you again for such a gift as you have given to us this day...Yourself!"
96. Berry Hinds - December 22, 2008 @ 6:55 PM
97. Rachel - January 2, 2009 @ 3:52 PM
It's people like Mr. Foster that helps make the people who travel millions of miles each year happy during our travels away from our kids and families. Mr. Foster was family to all of those he touched with his happiness. If the world had more Mr. Foster may be we would all be better people. May be one day Mr. Foster will get to read your story and blogs and see how much he was loved by strangers.
Happy New Year and God Bless to Mr. Foster."
98. Althea - January 4, 2009 @ 3:35 PM
99. Mrs, Linda Wolfe - February 19, 2009 @ 10:05 PM
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