Mchero

Sat., Dec. 21, 1996

Charlie Mccoy Of Spokane

Annie Wright

Ever wonder what happens in restaurant kitchens?

As morning breaks and breakfast sizzles on the grill at the McDonald’s in Veradale, Sharon Reynolds patiently waits for her “mom,” Annie Wright, to appear. When the diminutive and energetic Annie arrives, both she and Sharon quickly head for a quiet corner at the back of the kitchen. There, with the caring touch of a mother, Annie brushes Sharon’s hair and applies makeup carefully to Sharon’s face. “Annie’s my Mom!” proclaims 30-year-old Sharon after this daily ritual, which helps her meet the world. To the employees at the Sullivan Road restaurant, it has come to symbolize the unique relationship that has developed between this caring great-grandmother and their mentally challenged colleague, a hard-working mainstay in her own right for the past nine years.

While working relationships are often left at the job site, not so for Annie Wright. Once every few weeks Annie and her husband, Ernie, have Sharon to their home for dinner. Sharon has also accompanied Annie to a wedding reception and on other outings. No one is quite sure how it all began. What is clear is this cheerful, former cross-country truck driver with plenty of grandchildren to keep her busy made space in her heart for one more special person.

“I love her,” says Sharon about Annie. Wouldn’t you?

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