I was at this McDonald's when my life changed. I remember it so distinctly, it could've happened yesterday. We were on our way to Ocean Isle and I had to pee. I ignored it for a good 10 minutes, but eventually it became too much to go unnoticed. It felt like there was a rocket taking off in my bladder, and with every breath I took, it got stronger! So we stopped by the nearest toilet which happened to be at McDonald's. I burst through the doors and went straight into the bathroom, relieved. And as I was sitting there on the toilet, I noticed something rather peculiar. There was this song playing, it sounded familiar, but I had never heard it before. Then I realized!!! It was a jazz version of Every Breath You Take by The Police. I felt this strange connection to the music and it overpowered me. The noises of the instruments took me to this other world. A world of peace and beauty. A world of beautiful noises and immaculacy. A world of love and kindness. A world of comfort. A world where there are no flaws or worries, only jazz. I found the meaning of music and perfection that day. I understood everything about everything at that moment. I remember that a few tears escaped my eyes and rolled down my face, like silver wine down velvet. Still, my face was expressionless though it was filled with emotion and discoveries. I remained there, on the McDonald's toilet, as the song repeated itself 3 times. And every time the saxophone riff played, I was struck with awe and wonder. For 12 minutes I sat there. It was like I had met God himself in that McDonald's bathroom. I walked out of that bathroom as a different person. I walked right past the employee who asked: "Are you okay, baby? The brims of your eyes are all red and puffy. Can I get you anything?" I walked right past the man sitting near the door. I walked right out of that McDonald's. And tears continued to stream down my face as I walked across the parking lot to my mom's golden pathfinder. But I had already found my path, and this path that I had found was indeed golden.
I didn't purchase anything from that McDonald's that day, but I did get something from there. I got all the answers I had ever been seeking. Thank you, McDonald's. read more