Thursday, December 10, 2009

Thank You!

Before I forget, I've got a trio of pretty darn awesome giveaways going on over at my review site right now -- consider it some early Christmas shopping, either for yourself or someone else!  Check here, here, and here.

***

November is usually the time to focus on being thankful and appreciating what we have.  While I did that peronally to some degree last month, I know I didn't post anything on it.  And some of what I'm thankful for, I know I didn't appropriately thank the person involved.  There are a lot of people, especially random strangers, who do thoughtful things, and we frequently just accept them.  I'm trying to remember them more often and keep those memories close on the days when I'm tired or frustrated.

Dear School Psychologist,
Thank you for not only taking my call last week - especially since you've never heard of me before -  about Mister Man, but thank you for making me feel better about both me and Mister Man.  It's good to know that I've been doing the "right" thing and that October and November can be really tricky months in kindergarten, especially in the Catholic school where there is such a focus on Christmas.  I really appreciate the suggestions you gave, and thankfully, I can already see a difference!

Dear Blue Car Driver,
Thank you for not being the typical Chicago driver.  I've been a bit, shall we say, busy lately, and I almost forgot where I was going.  I don't usually have to change lanes at the last minute, but I really appreciate you letting me in rather than trying to speed up to keep me one car behind you.  And even more -- I appreciate that you didn't honk at me.

Dear Grocery Cart Dude,
Yesterday was a really cold and miserable day, and I just wanted to get to the store to buy a 2 liter of 7-Up for my co-op party.  Even though I'm sure you were colder, I really appreciate you insisting that I park before you started pushing your collection of grocery carts back to the store.  And to say hi and be friendly once I exited my car?  Well, you just don't see that too often anymore.  It's really nice to see someone happy with his lot in life who is willing to share his happiness.

Dear Blonde Lady,
Thank you so much for your compliment.  I do love my new sweater, and noticing it and saying something about it really made my day.  I've noticed this phenomenon before -- and thus I try to give unsolicited random (but honest) compliments to people once a day at least -- but it never ceases to put a smile on my face when someone tells me that I look nice or that they like something I'm wearing.

Dear School Mom,
Thank you so much for holding open the door to after care for me, as I urged three children to follow me as we attempted to pick up the fourth carpool child last week.  For whatever reason, that door is locked, and the after care people can't hear anyone knocking.  One child in the carpool has soccer very close to the end of the school day, so being able to get into the after care area to pick up the last child quickly really makes a difference.  I appreciate you holding open the door for all of us, as it isn't always the easiest to get us all through.

Dear Carnival Mom,
Thank you so much for the carnival tickets that you gave us.  That was really sweet.  I know how it feels to buy extra tickets sometimes and then realize that children have got to get home, but yet you don't want them to go to waste.  We'd already used all ours, and the line we were standing in to buy more was not conducive to my sanity with children anxious to return to the carnival.  We really appreciate the fact that we now had tickets to have the wee ones go on one last ride before heading home which avoided a certain meltdown.

Dear Nice Child,
Thank you so much for your assistance at the McDonald's playland.  They do not build those playlands for adults to get into whatsoever.  When Little Miss was injured by another child and crying hysterically because she couldn't figure out how to get out, the fact that you helped her and gently held her hand to lead her to the slide and help her down without anyone asking says wonders about you, and I really appreciate it.  And the fact that you helped Little Miss play in the playland after she was assured that she was going to be fine really made me smile.

There are more.  There are lots and lots more, and some I can't even remember other than the happy glow that still sticks with me.  There is so much that's sad and wrong with the world right now, but these little rays of light keep my hope alive.  For anyone who helps a stranger, pays a compliment or otherwise makes someone's day, thank you.

Who are you thankful towards?

15 comments:

Roxane December 10, 2009 at 11:57 AM  

Isn't it so nice when we notice the positive ways that people impact us?! I wish I did that more often. Thank you for reminding me to be more mindful!

Unknown December 10, 2009 at 12:00 PM  

Wow. You have a lot of adventures every week don't you : ) What fun!

Anonymous December 10, 2009 at 2:04 PM  

What a wonderful, wonderful post, and a terrific reminder that there is often plenty of joy and lots to be thankful for in the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day.

I am thankful for my neighbors, all of whom know that my husband is away a lot and who keep an eye on my house - shoveling my sidewalks and driveway because they know I won't be able to get to it until the kids are tucked into bed at night.

Mama Bee December 10, 2009 at 2:14 PM  

What a great post! We do need to be thankful for all the little things people do for us that we take for granted.

Have a fantastic day!

Unknown December 10, 2009 at 2:36 PM  

On behalf of the Blue Car driver that you thank... you're welcome. I did the same for someone this morning. Although it was to make up for the 2 that I didn't yesterday.

Tami December 11, 2009 at 10:35 AM  

What a sweet posting! Something small really does make someones day! And it doesn't take much to be nice!

anymommy December 11, 2009 at 10:53 PM  

Aw. This is fantastic. Makes me want to pay it all forward. Thanks.

Lourie December 12, 2009 at 12:18 AM  

That is sooo awesome that not only that many people helped you or said something nice, but you also remembered it all. Thanks for sharing it all. Warm fuzzies are great.

WeaselMomma December 12, 2009 at 8:13 AM  

It's the little things that really make a difference. I need to savor them a little more.

septembermom December 12, 2009 at 10:49 AM  

It's great to remember all those special people who add a bit of sunshine to our day. Very nice post!

Claudya Martinez December 12, 2009 at 4:23 PM  

That was wonderful.

Michelle December 12, 2009 at 7:13 PM  

Roxane - Totally wonderful, and I don't do it near often enough....

Life with Kaishon - I'm a mom with two kids. Isn't "adventures" sort of a requirement at that point?

Nichole - Thank you! And you've got some really great neighbors. I hope they know you recognize that.

Rhonda - Wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone did?

Don/Amy - You're a lifelong Chicago driver. I'd expect no less than not letting the cars in!

t.t. millers - It doesn't at all. And it's sometimes amazing how small a thing can absolutely make your day.

Lourie - This is just a sampling. There is a ton more that I'm sure I didn't remember. People really are nice sometimes!

WeaselMomma - What, this isn't what you think about at 4am with your coffee? For shame!

Kelly - It is, and I hope they remember the nice things they did and that it added some sunshine to their own days.

Unknown Mami - Thank you. Glad you liked it :)

Jeff and Charli Lee December 12, 2009 at 9:28 PM  

I had to laugh at your blue car driver thank you. When we were in Chicago a few years ago, the drivers would lay on their horns if I didn't go within 2 milliseconds of the light turning green. Somehow, after all the driving I did there, that's what I remember the most.

Mrs4444 December 15, 2009 at 10:53 PM  

You are so sweet and SO busy!

P.S. I'm working on the commenting thing, but it's been so long that I can't remember how to switch back to blogger comments!! Haloscan is dying...

Michelle December 17, 2009 at 8:41 PM  

Jeff - Ummm yeah. Chicago is kinda like that. I have to say, it's sort of refreshing to head back to MN and not worry about being cut off every two seconds!

Mrs4444 - Aren't we all? I hate to make it sound like I'm the only one!

  © Blogger template 'Solitude' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP