Look, Something Special

Hi, my name is Emma, I'm 16 years young, and I am paid minimum wage.

I work at a catering company with my mother. Getting the job was a miracle. The fact that I still work there is also a miracle. Most teenagers would've quit by now.

Let me paint you a picture of what my job is like.

My first night a couple of months ago, I worked almost 16 hours in one shift with no break and constant physical labor. I was on my feet from the time I got there until the time I got into the car with my mom at three in the morning to go home.

I cried. A lot.

Yet, I went back. Hey, I can't pass up a paycheck.

So when I'm not breaking my back to make less than $7.50 an hour, I'm making magic.

No really, our catering company litterally makes magic happen.

Follow me on Instagram @ emmylou596

Take last night for example.

We were working a wedding at a really cool metal museum. Weddings are magical to begin with, but seeing the beauty of two people coming together for the rest of their lives actually unfold in front of you is better. Actually putting together most of the event is even better-er.

So we're setting up the food that the guest will eat, but the couple of the night will never get a chance to. Too many congradulations to listen to, too many songs to spin to.

I look up, and we're under a giant tent. It's all white, shielding us from the grey clouds and the omnious storm that could come. Little paper lanterns, also white, delicately bouncing against each other as wind pushes against them, making them seem like clouds.

This place is so beautiful, and before we know it, the guests are cheering as the bride and groom kiss.

That's what makes my job worth it. It's inspiration. It's romantic and pretty.

And I feel so great seeing everyone having such a wonderful time because of what we do.

Last night, I saw a woman dancing with a friend. But she might've been so drunk she didn't know she had a partner. This woman moved to the music like I had never seen before. She was different from all the other guests. She... twirled. She swayed and bent like trees. Her smile was so wide, her eyes closed. Everytime she threw her head back and laughed, you could see how purely happy she was.

I can't wait for a moment like that.

I don't care if I'm black-out drunk, completely sober, or what.

I want a moment where everything is going to perfectly wonderful, nothing is wrong in that exact moment and all I feel is a raw happiness.

I think we all should experience that.

My job is hard, yes. I wake up the next morning with a sore back, swollen feet and hands smelling like leftover food. But the images I see, all of the happy and sloppy drunk people I cater to, they make it enjoyable.

They make it somewhat entertaining.

Plus I get super cool ideas of what to do and what not to do when I get married.

Happy Sunday, lovers.