Special Party For A Lovable Employee

For a person suffering from Down’s syndrome, life is unpredictable. It is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all, or part of a third copy of chromosome 21, which restricts physical growth, intellectual abilities and distorts facial features in a way now considered typical to Down’s Syndrome.

But that does not say anything about the spirit of people, which shines through all kinds of ordeals.

A Down’s syndrome patient, named Freia David had been working at a McDonald’s restaurant in Massachusetts for the past 32 years, and recently, now 52, she retired her McDonald’s apron for a quiet life at home. Being a lovable person, she was adored by her employers and colleagues, so much so that she was treated in her last moments at McDonald’s with a grand farewell party.

Over 100 people including family, friends and colleagues of Freia were part of the party McDonald’s threw for their long-standing employee. It wasn’t long before the news about the Down’s syndrome McDonald’s employee spread all over the world, inspiring people who despite disabilities could handle their own way through life. Before the end, Freia would’ve won hearts of people from all over the world and become a small-celebrity in her own neighborhood.

Freia, pronounced Fry-a, mainly worked at the fry station – call it an act of serendipity.

The State House of Representatives also penned her a proclamation, while McDonald’s showered her with cakes, cards, photo collages, and a silver necklace with a McDonald’s French fries carton pendant. She was also let to choose her favourite Disney stuffed animals to take home with her as a souvenir of her time working at McDonald’s. During the party, any customer who walked into the restaurant, was overwhelmed with balloons and also got a free small order of fries –in Freia’s honour.

"Her Life", as paraphrased by her mother for the Boston Globe, "were her working hours at McDonald’s". Usually she arrived an hour early for her shifts, of which she did five times in a week. Her colleagues even caught her dancing sometimes in front of the fry station in anticipation and enjoyment. Freia was friendly with everyone and enjoyed coming to the restaurant where she worked even on Saturday’s to have lunch with her mother, and greet her friends with hi-fives and hugs.

After the party, Freia said, "It was nice, I’m really happy! I like all my friends here." Such a heart-warming life and of a person so innocently lovable, even after being dealt the worst kind of hand by God. Freia’s life is an inspiration for all disabled and able persons all over the world, who only need to see her example to know that one crucial truth of each life. ‘You don’t get to choose the life you get, but you can choose what you do with the life you do get’, and in her case she has lived her life as best as she could, making her parents and friends proud of her.