The story began almost 40 years ago when I was 18. My Dad died unexpectedly during my senior year of high school. My neighbor, Clank Wagner, offered me a job at Ralston Purina to help pay for college. To show my gratitude, I made him chocolate chip cookies. He was not shy about telling me if they were too dry, overdone, or not very good. Even in the simplest of tasks including making cookies…he encouraged me to be my best.
Today, I constantly realize that Clank gave me far more than a job. He gave me an extraordinary example of doing your best every single day at any endeavor you attempt. I hope these sweet cookies remind each of you…how vitally important encouragement is in helping each person to be the best they can be. If we all invested in each other…as Clank did in me…imagine how sweet this world would become.
