Walmart Greeter

Caution!! Long, emotional post!! I'm sure most of you know my son, Nathan Joerndt. If not through me, then certainly through your visits to Pontiac's Walmart. Nathan has been a greeter there since high school. More than 18 years!! He never misses work, he loves his job, and hates it when he has days off. Well, all of that is coming to an end, just like the man in the story. Tuesday, he was informed that Walmart is eliminating his (and other's) position, and will be phasing him out by April 26. Nathan has William's Syndrome.....he has depth perception problems as result of this, and therefore is unable to climb ladders safely. I have been told, as has he, that he is entitled to apply for other positions within the store, but most, if not all, would involve climbing and heavy lifting. This will essentially disqualify him from these. His interim manager told me that there is a severance package available. This is NOT ABOUT MONEY!! This is Nathan's life, as he knows it, for more than 18 years. It's why he gets up in the morning. It's what he looks forward to, it's where he goes to socialize and spread his special brand of "Nathan's cheer". He's been so upset since Tuesday, and frankly, so have I. Is this how you get rewarded for loyalty and dedication?!? Nathan's biggest concern is his customers, and who is going to raise money for the sick kids at the Children's Miracle Network. He's such a passionate guy about everything he does, and this is breaking his heart. I do want to say that the local management has been very supportive of Nathan, and are exploring possibilities, but if Nathan is put in a position that is too frustrating, or not with people, he will struggle. I've had people reach out to me and to Walmart, praising Nathan's compassion, empathy, and great people skills. We've had letters from total strangers from out of state, that have somehow been moved enough by Nathan's spirit to go to the trouble to acknowledge him. I guess none of that matters. Is this about the raising of minimum wage? Who knows? Nathan has gotten glowing evaluations and regular raises, and makes decent wages. No complaints there. I'm just so saddened that the human factor seems to have gone by the wayside. Please be patient when you see my son. He's having a hard time. Also, try to take time to stop in and see him in the next few weeks. He's so worried that he will never see some of you. Life is just so hard at times. I know this is not a death sentence, or a tragedy, but it's just another indication of the impersonal course our society is taking. Does nobody care about people anymore? Thanks for taking the time to read this mama's rant.