Blind Waiter Serves Up Diner Classics and Life Lessons
- 5 years ago
The flickering neon sign reflects eerily off the aging, chrome exterior; a long smooth marble counter with spinning stools draws your gaze left and right as you enter; the checkered linoleum floor seeps under the rows of back-to-back leather booths enveloped by the rain streaked wrap-around windows. You may think you’ve entered a typical American roadside eatery, but your experience here will be anything but ordinary.
You have just stepped into the Bendix Diner, a staple in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey since the 1940's. It’s no surprise that The Bendix can serve up a sizzling Burger with deep fried onion rings and a frothy chocolate shake. What is unique about this meal is the waiter who delivers it to your table – his name is John Diakakis, and he is blind.
John was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP is a rare genetic disorder that involves the breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. John could still see shadows in his early teens while working in his parents’ restaurant in New York City, but his condition was deteriorating steadily. Despite the hardship, John was an excellent student and Senior Class President at North Rockland High School. John continued his studies at Ithaca College where he studied Psycology and Business and had a great experience.” It was a lot of fun,” he recalled. “Being around so many diverse people and different personalities made the best [of me] come out.”
After college, John felt the urge to return to the family business and worked alongside his brother, mother and dad, but as he aged, things became darker, the shadows vanished, and by the time he turned 30 he was completely blind. This was also a turbulent time of highs and lows during which John met the woman he would marry while at the same time his father passed away, increasing his responsibilities at The Bendix.
Dedicating himself to his family and his work, John took over a lead role at the diner while he and his wife raised three boys. The oldest, Tony, who was recently accepted to Harvard University, has worked with his parents over the years and has watched his Dad cope with his condition with positivity and hard work.. “Noticing my Dad’s lack of fear when faced with his daily challenges provided a blue print for me that I applied to my own life,” he reflected. “He’s never been afraid to try new things and has been a great leader.”
The Bendix may seem like a time capsule from years gone by, but it continues to thrive. Meet the hard working family that keeps its spirit alive and the blind waiter that helps you see what it means to live a meaningful life.
Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bendix-Diner/151668004866220
To see more OnlyGood TV FAMILY videos, visit us at: http://bit.ly/OnlyGoodTVYTFAMILY
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We at OnlyGood TV believe that positivity will change lives for the better. We strive to be the hopeful voice that recognizes people are good & out there doing good things for their communities and society at large. We tell the stories of the individuals and organizations that inspire and motivate us, and fuel the Positivity Movement.
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You have just stepped into the Bendix Diner, a staple in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey since the 1940's. It’s no surprise that The Bendix can serve up a sizzling Burger with deep fried onion rings and a frothy chocolate shake. What is unique about this meal is the waiter who delivers it to your table – his name is John Diakakis, and he is blind.
John was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP is a rare genetic disorder that involves the breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. John could still see shadows in his early teens while working in his parents’ restaurant in New York City, but his condition was deteriorating steadily. Despite the hardship, John was an excellent student and Senior Class President at North Rockland High School. John continued his studies at Ithaca College where he studied Psycology and Business and had a great experience.” It was a lot of fun,” he recalled. “Being around so many diverse people and different personalities made the best [of me] come out.”
After college, John felt the urge to return to the family business and worked alongside his brother, mother and dad, but as he aged, things became darker, the shadows vanished, and by the time he turned 30 he was completely blind. This was also a turbulent time of highs and lows during which John met the woman he would marry while at the same time his father passed away, increasing his responsibilities at The Bendix.
Dedicating himself to his family and his work, John took over a lead role at the diner while he and his wife raised three boys. The oldest, Tony, who was recently accepted to Harvard University, has worked with his parents over the years and has watched his Dad cope with his condition with positivity and hard work.. “Noticing my Dad’s lack of fear when faced with his daily challenges provided a blue print for me that I applied to my own life,” he reflected. “He’s never been afraid to try new things and has been a great leader.”
The Bendix may seem like a time capsule from years gone by, but it continues to thrive. Meet the hard working family that keeps its spirit alive and the blind waiter that helps you see what it means to live a meaningful life.
Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bendix-Diner/151668004866220
To see more OnlyGood TV FAMILY videos, visit us at: http://bit.ly/OnlyGoodTVYTFAMILY
Welcome to OnlyGood.tv! (Formerly HooplaHa - Only Good News) - It’s a Positivity Movement.
We at OnlyGood TV believe that positivity will change lives for the better. We strive to be the hopeful voice that recognizes people are good & out there doing good things for their communities and society at large. We tell the stories of the individuals and organizations that inspire and motivate us, and fuel the Positivity Movement.
Watch an exclusive collection of stories featuring PETS, FAMILY, WELLNESS, and COMMUNITY, including unique series and Live Specials that shine a spotlight on everyday people, making the world a better place. #OGTV
Visit us at: https://www.onlygood.tv/
Like us on OGTV’s Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/onlygood.tv
Like us on Hooplaha’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hooplaha/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlygood.tv/
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/onlygoodtv