Hugh's News & Commentary

One of the many things that a Marine has pride in is his appearance is a shoe shine that you can comb your hair in. Now, I realize that may be an exaggeration, but you get the point.

I never go to Oklahoma City without visiting the Shoe Shine Parlor of Frank Miles. His parlor is located in the USA Car Wash on Northwest Expressway.

Frank is a great American, and he tells me he is a Christian first, then an American. He reprimanded me a few years ago for using the term "African American." He said he was not from Africa, never been there, and never planned to go there. He said, "I am an America, and I just  happen to be Black."

When I first met Frank Miles he was the head usher at Catheral of Praise on Council Road. I just learned from my recent visit in OKC that he has been replaced. I think that deeply hurt him. However, one of the sisters of the church spoke a positive word into his life, "You have served your time." That seemed to satisfy him.

Frank Miles is a highly motivated Christian. He beleives in doing his best in whatever he does. I don't know his secret of shining shoes, but the shines he puts on my shoes last and last and last. All I have to do is take a damp cloth and wipe them off.

I have learned a great deal in the field of communication from Frank. It is this--when engaging in conversation, keep your eyes on the person with whom you are speaking. Listen carefully, and from time to time repeat what the other person has told you. No one is more important at the moment than the person with whom you are engaged in conversation.

Thank you, Frank Miles, for being my teacher and friend. For several years when I visited his shoe shine parlor for a shine, he would not charge me. I have insisted on paying the full price plus a tip. He has agreed to accept my payment. A workman is worthy of his hire.

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