A young sales rep and his trusty pen set out to help healthcare heroes – one order, one smile and one patient at a time.
Editor’s note: Ever wondered how to explain the work you do to your kids? The team at Repertoire has created a series of short stories you can read to your children (or grandchildren) to help them better understand the work you do, and why it is so important.
Max Carter was not your average 12-year-old.
While other kids were playing video games after school, Max was packing his backpack for tomorrow. But instead of books and snacks, his bag held gloves, masks, and something very important – a shiny, blue pen named Scout.
Now, Scout was not just any pen.
“Let’s not forget,” Scout said proudly, “I am the best order-writing pen in the whole world.”
Max smiled. “You say that every day.”
“Because it’s true every day,” Scout replied.
Max clipped Scout onto his shirt. Scout liked that spot. It made him feel important.
Important work
Max had a big job. He was a medical distribution sales rep. That meant Max helped doctors and nurses get the supplies they needed to take care of their patients.
“People are counting on us,” Max said as he zipped up his bag.
“Exactly,” Scout said. “No pressure or anything.”
The next morning, Max walked into Sunnyvale Family Clinic. Nurses hurried by. Phones rang. A patient coughed in the waiting room.
“Busy day,” Scout whispered.
Max nodded. “That’s why we’re here.”
A nurse named Kelly waved. “Max! I’m so glad you’re here.”
Max walked over. “What do you need?”
“We’re running low on gloves,” she said. “And we have a full day of patients.”
Scout wiggled with excitement. “This is my moment.”
Max pulled Scout off his shirt. “Let’s do it.”
As Max wrote down the order, Scout spoke softly. “Nice and neat. We want this delivered fast.”
Max finished writing and handed the order to Kelly. “We’ll get these to you right away.”
Kelly smiled. “You always take care of us, Max.”
As Max turned to leave, Scout spoke again. “Did you see that?”
“See what?” Max asked.
“That smile,” Scout said. “That’s why we do this.”
Max paused. He looked around the clinic. Nurses helping patients. Doctors moving quickly. People who needed help.
“You’re right,” Max said. “It’s not just about the order, is it?”
“It’s about helping people,” Scout said.
Max clipped Scout back onto his shirt.
“Ready for our next stop?” Max asked.
Scout grinned. “Always. Let’s go help some more people.”
And just like that, Max and Scout headed out the door – ready for whatever the day would bring.