When Ramay arrived at Pizza Ranch in May 2023, Lumpkins could not have anticipated the heartwarming gesture that awaited him. Expressing appreciation for his hard work, infectious smile, and positive attitude, Samay commended Lumpkins, noting the rarity of such qualities in today’s youth.
To Lumpkins’ surprise, Samay’s friend produced a stack of $50 bills, counting them in front of him and totaling a generous $2,500. Overwhelmed with emotion, the teen was handed the unexpected tip, and he shared his gratitude, stating:
“To be honest, I was speechless. I’ve never had anything like that happen to me before. It showed me that there are people in the world who truly care for me.”
For Samay, the gesture was straightforward. “Money comes and goes,” he remarked. “It’s rare to find someone like Ryheem.”
Inspired by Lumpkins’ positive attitude, especially considering his physical disability, Samay recognized the teen’s resilience. Lumpkins explained that his hands and arms never fully developed but emphasized that he doesn’t view it as a disability. He shared:
“I don’t describe it as a condition. God made me like this for a reason. I’m a regular person. I don’t think of it as a disability. It doesn’t prevent me from anything. If I feel like I can do it, I can do it.”
Despite his current job at the pizza parlor, Lumpkins harbors dreams and aspirations. He aims to purchase his first car and aspires to become a motivational speaker for youth facing similar challenges. Offering a heartfelt message, he encouraged others:
“Don’t ever hide it. Embrace what makes you different. Because a lot of people think it’s cool, and some may not. Don’t let the negative words get to your head. There’s a lot of positive in the world, more positive than negative.”