Jerry Lion Struggles To Fit In
It’s disheartening to wake up every day in a world that makes you feel like an outcast. Jerry Lion has felt this way for years. No matter what he does, he never seems to fit in. His family is the only people he feels close to. He has no friends and dislikes going to work because he has to put on a fake smile every day. However, the love, care, and attention he receives every morning from his wife, Cheryl, and their kid, Jerry Jr., motivate him to get through the day.
Thursday, March 12, 6:00 a.m.
Cheryl: “Sweetheart, wake up. It’s time to have breakfast before you get ready for work.”
Jerry: “Just a little longer, honey. I don’t feel like getting up yet.”
Jerry Jr.: “Come on, Dad. Eating a nutritious meal made by mommy will make you feel better. Remember, we love and support you, and God does too.”
Cheryl: “Exactly!”
Jerry: “I’m really blessed to have both of you.”
Cheryl: “We’re blessed to have you too!”
Lion heads to work after enjoying breakfast and spending quality time with his family. He is employed as a Mortgage Loan Officer at Grand Oak Financial, one of Ohio’s top mortgage companies. Jerry earns $200,000 annually, has multiple streams of income, drives a luxury vehicle, and lives in a spacious, beautiful home with his wife and son. To most people, his life would appear ideal and enviable. While Lion is thankful for all his blessings, the way others often treat him differently sometimes takes a toll on his happiness.
Jerry: “Another day, another dollar! Please allow today to be a great day, Lord. Amen.”
Walking Alone Every Morning
Each morning when Lion arrives at work, he sees his coworkers walking from the parking lot into the firm, often whispering, laughing, and exchanging comments about him.
He usually walks by himself, as he has not formed any close friendships during the three years he has worked there. Although he struggles with feeling accepted and included in the workplace, Jerry remains committed to staying strong and resilient for the sake of his family.
Unexpected News For Jerry
Every Thursday morning, Grand Oak Financial organizes team meetings that cover employee performance, opportunities to contribute new ideas to the company, any updates about the firm, and more. After today’s meeting, supervisor Greg Grant approaches Jerry to tell him something quietly, but one of his coworkers begins eavesdropping.
Greg Grant: “Hey Jerry! Guess what?”
Jerry: “What?”
Greg Grant: “Human Resources asked me to tell you to stop by their office. They’ve got some exciting news for you!”
Jerry: “Seriously? Thanks for giving me the heads-up, Greg.”
Greg Grant: “Don’t mention it!”
Coworker Lady #1: “I wonder what the exciting news could be. I hope he’s not getting promoted. He doesn’t deserve it. A lot of us have worked here longer than he has, and he already earns more than we do. If he gets a promotion, people are going to resent him even more.”
Jerry Climbs The Corporate Ladder And Senses Jealousy
During his lunch break, Jerry Lion pondered the fantastic news he had gotten from HR. He advanced from mortgage loan officer to mortgage sales manager. He’ll be earning a lot more money and have more responsibilities. However, this did not provide him with complete contentment. Lion still doesn’t understand why, from childhood, he’s struggled to get along with his fellow peers. He is a genuine, honest, and polite guy who wouldn’t hurt a fly, yet he was often classified as “weird” or told, “You think you’re better than others!” Although his family has always supported him, all he wants is at least one good friend.
Jerry: “The promotion is great news! I can’t wait to share it with my wife and son, but I sense some jealousy inside the workplace.
After returning from his lunch break, Jerry notices several of his coworkers laughing and making mean remarks towards him.
Coworker Man #1: “What’s wrong, Jerry? Was that promotion not good enough for you?”
Coworker Lady #2: “Nothing ever seems to make him happy.”
Coworker Man #2: “Honestly, not even money can satisfy his miserable self.”
The group continues to laugh and mock him as Jerry chooses not to respond and quietly makes his way back to his office.
The Invitation That Changed Everything
The workday had come to an end, and Jerry was heading toward his car when one of his coworkers, Bruce Van, called out to him.
Bruce: “Hey, Jerry! Hold up!”
Jerry: “Hey, Bruce! What’s going on?”
Bruce: “Not much. How are things with you?”
Jerry: “Pretty good. I was just promoted to Mortgage Sales Manager.”
Bruce: “Yeah, I heard the news! Congratulations, man! You’ve earned it. You’re one of the hardest-working people at this firm.”
Jerry: “I appreciate that, but not everyone here seems to agree.”
Bruce: “Why worry about what they think? They’re just jealous of your success…….How about we celebrate? My wife is making a big dinner tonight—enough food for an entire football team. You should come by.”
Jerry: “I don’t know, Bruce. It sounds great, but I’m not in the mood. Every time I try to make friends, I get rejected. Most people just make fun of me.”
Bruce: “I’m really sorry you’ve gone through that. I can’t change what happened to you, but I’m not that kind of person. Sometimes you’ve got to keep taking chances and let someone in. What do you say?”
Jerry: “Alright, I’ll come.”
Bruce: “Awesome! I live about seven minutes from here at 3623 Reign Avenue.”
Jerry: “No way! My family and I live right next door to you. Maybe this encounter was meant to happen.”
Bruce: “No way! Maybe you’re right. So, I’ll see you and your family tonight?”
Jerry: “Definitely! Do you need me to bring anything?”
Bruce: “Thanks, but that’s not necessary. We’ll have more than enough food.”
Jerry: “Okay.”
A Night Of Warm Welcomes Awaits Jerry And His Family
Jerry Lion returned home and shared both his promotion news and Bruce’s dinner invitation with Cheryl and Jerry Jr. Not too long after, they made their way next door to Bruce’s house.
Bruce: “Hey, J! I’m glad you all could make it. I’d like you to meet my wife, Grace, and our son, Duke.”
Grace and Duke: “Hello!”
Jerry: “It’s wonderful to meet you all. This is my wife, Cheryl, and our son, Jerry Jr.”
Duke and Bruce: “Hi!”
Grace: “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you as well.”
Cheryl: “Likewise. Thank you for inviting us.”
Duke: “Jerry Jr., I have a bunch of video games and action figures in my room. Do you want to check them out?”
Bruce: “Not so fast, Duke. You can show Jerry Jr. your collection after dinner, if Mr. and Mrs. Lion don’t mind.”
Jerry: “I don’t have any objections.”
Cheryl: “That’s fine with me too.”
Duke and Jerry Jr.: “YAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!”
Grace: “Welcome to our home, Mr. and Mrs. Lion, and Jerry Jr. There’s a bathroom down the hall if anyone would like to wash their hands before dinner.”
Lion Family: “Thank you!”
Growing Closer Over Dinner
After everyone finished washing their hands, they made their way to the dining room and gathered around the table for dinner.
Cheryl: “You guys have a beautiful home.”
Bruce and Grace: “Thank you!”
Jerry Jr.: “So, what’s for dinner? I’m starving!”
Jerry and Cheryl: “JERRY JR.!”
Jerry: “Son, our neighbors were kind enough to invite us over. Let’s remember to be polite and respectful. Now apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Van.”
Jerry Jr.: “Okay, Dad. Sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Van.”
Bruce: “No worries at all, buddy. Let’s enjoy the meal. Everything looks amazing, thanks to my wonderful wife.”
Everyone began eating, laughing, and sharing both humorous and heartfelt stories.
Grace: “Duke, would you mind taking Jerry Jr. into the living room to show him your video game and action figure collection while your father and I have a conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Lion? If that’s okay with y’all, of course.”
Cheryl and Jerry: “Sure!”
Jerry Jr. and Duke go into the living room.
Bruce: “We’re having such a wonderful time with you guys, and we’d love for y’all to come back over this Saturday. It’s Duke’s 8th birthday, and we’re planning lots of fun activities for the kids. The house will be full of family and his friends.”
Jerry: “Sounds fun. You wanna go, honey?”
Cheryl: “Sure! Duke will have a great time!”
Bruce: “Fantastic! Grace and I will exchange contact information with both of you so we can keep everyone updated.”
Jerry: “Perfect! Now, if you’ll excuse me for a moment, I have to go to the bathroom.”
With that, Jerry got up from the table and stepped away.
Jerry Finally Makes A Friend
After spending a few minutes alone in the bathroom, Jerry Lion stared at his reflection in the mirror and began to cry.
Jerry: “Is this really happening? Have I finally found a true friend—someone who genuinely accepts me and makes me feel like I belong? It feels too good to be true.”
KNOCK KNOCK
Bruce: “Hey, buddy, everything alright in there?”
Jerry: “Yeah, I’m okay. I’ll be out in a minute.”
A few moments later, Lion left the bathroom and returned to the dining room. He noticed everyone clearing the table and cleaning up after dinner, so he immediately joined in. As the evening came to an end, Grace and Bruce packed up several containers of leftovers for their new friends to take home.
Bruce: “Here you go, buddy! We really enjoyed having you and your family over tonight. We’ll see you all on Saturday. And don’t forget to bring your swim gear. Duke doesn’t know it yet, but after the birthday party, we’re all heading to a waterpark.”
Jerry: “Gotcha! Thank you for such a wonderful dinner.”
Cheryl: “Yes, thank you so much.”
Grace and Bruce: “You’re very welcome.”
Bruce: “Have a great night, guys.”
Jerry and Cheryl: “You too.
Cheryl: Say bye bye, J Jr.”
Jerry Jr.: “Bye!”
Duke: “Bye-bye, friend!”
Grace and Bruce: “Bye, J Jr. Goodnight!”
For the first time in years, Jerry felt something he had almost given up on—acceptance. After spending so much of his life feeling isolated and judged by others, he had finally found friends who valued him for who he was and welcomed him into their lives with kindness and sincerity.
