Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Each life makes a difference

On Monday when the kids and I were going to Costco, the teased me when I got into the store. The reason was, as I was getting the electric chair ( I am sure there is a better word for it ? ) the lady who was letting everyone in, remembered who I was. She began asking me questions about my knee surgery and asking also about my back and cancer stuff. She was genuinely happy that I was up and healing well from my surgery.  My daughter-in-law just laughed when we started in the store, because she said "You know everyone!" I have to admit that I was impressed that after the hundreds of people that probably go through there on a daily basis that she still remembered me and my situation. And you could tell when she was asking me questions that she really was concerned and wanted to know...now that is a very Christ-like attribute I think.

She rates right up there in my book as my friend at the bank. She is the teller for the drive through window. She is always happy and so helpful and takes time to talk and visit with each person. Throughout the past few years, she has noticed if I haven't been in for awhile, and always asked me how I am doing. She always asks if there is anything that she can do for me. Even after my knee surgery a couple of weeks ago, she called our home and asked Jeff if there was anything that she could do for me. Wow, isn't it amazing when we take time out to connect with others in our pathway of life? I know I certainly try to, because I feel like I have a million friends, true friends! They just happen to be the Costco lady, ladies at my dental office, people that work in the hospital, bank tellers, the post office people, those who work at the grocery story, the fabric stores and on and on. Yes, I am grateful to have so many friends. So many people who have made a true difference in my life, because they went out of their way to connect with me. It is the BEST FEELING when that happens and even though it does take time and energy, I do believe it makes all the difference in the world.

So enjoy this short story that emphasizes this very point! Good night dear friends!

Important Question

During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: 'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. Absolutely, said the professor. "In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello". I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

1 comment:

Bonnie said...

Thank you!!!! All of your posts leave me something to think about, and with personal assignments that improve my life if only I can be like all these wonderful examples! But, you motivate me to keep trying, and trying, and trying, and . . . Thank you!