A small interaction inspires thought

Hello friends near and far, yesterday I drove up the valley as my 

hearing aid was repaired and I could pick it up. It was a beautiful day for the drive, roads were quiet and my son came with me making the trip undoubtedly more enjoyable.

The road north up the valley has a view of Okanagan Lake all along, so we cruised along, sharing a coffee,  just talking, no radio. I was not expecting how much an upcoming brief encounter was about to make me think.

coffee shopWe were early for the appointment, so we stopped to grab a breakfast 

sandwich at Triple O’s and kill a little time reading the newspaper.

It was 9:15 and my appointment wasn’t until ten so we could relax for a bit.

These Triple O restaurants are open early for travellers, who grab a bite, inhale a coffee and keep on going.

I went to the counter and placed my order with the mature male employee.  After I paid, and he was getting my change, I asked him about his day so far, and how was he doing?

You are the first person to ask me that so far today” – he responded,

and his tone indicated he was surprised I had interacted with him.  He told me he had been working over two hours at that point, and no one had even said “Good Morning” until I did.

I told him that was surprising, and we chatted.   He was a really nice guy, and wished me a good day when we left ten minutes later.  

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As I went through the rest of the day, I thought about this gentlemen, and all the other people who have lives and stories of their own but somehow are treated invisibly. 

Ironically I have done surveys from businesses who ask questions like:

  • Were the staff friendly?
  • Did the staff make an attempt to know you? 

I believe the onus is on me!  I am surrounded by people all day as I go about my life, I hope I never forget take a moment to see the people who are helping me, in person or not; and to acknowledge them somehow.  If they don’t have time to chat, I always have time for a nod and smile thank you.

I don’t know if it is karma or something else; but in my opinion relationships are a mirror and you get what you give. 

 Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last.“ The Red Circle (Sherlock Holmes) 

 

dr seuss

Thanks for visiting. 

I may take a break over the next few weeks from blogging, to read a book, play a game or just lay on the floor and relax. 

I love a good book, a walk, and a board game with family (I might even win one this year!)

Maybe that’s in your plans also, and if that’s the case I will look forward to reading your blogs and comments next year.

Thank you sincerely for all your encouragement this year, the encouraging comments, and your blogs that made me smile!  I never knew blogging was going to include the warmth and support you give. 

About dfolstad58

I live in the South Okanagan. BC. I enjoy reading, exercise, toastmasters. spending time with my son, my daughter, & her husband , and my patient wife. I try to respond personally to every comment on my blog, and in this way I hope to get to know my readers a little bit and and am able to thank readers for their encouragement on what they liked and suggestions on what they would like to see me try in order to improve.
This entry was posted in FAVORITE POSTS - A Few of them ♥, Thinking Out loud, travel and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

18 Responses to A small interaction inspires thought

  1. What a lovely story. Enjoy your Christmas and holiday time.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Elaine says:

    Have a wonderful Christmas and a great 2020 🥳

    Like

  3. See you next year, Dave. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Like

  4. Good reminder. 🙂 I hope you enjoy your break and the season. Happy Christmas. 🙂

    Like

  5. Bob Smith says:

    Great post.

    Like

  6. Enjoy your holidays. And I’m totally agree with you about relationships. I think some of us “protect” themselves by being indifferent like some people around. 😕 They rather act they don’t care, than to feel embarrassed by not receiving a positive feedback. I did that sometimes but I learned that kindness always worth it in the end. Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo! Come back soon!

    Like

  7. kennynines says:

    I got here late but I’m glad I did. Merry Christmas and I’ll see you on the other side.

    Like

  8. mahimajalan says:

    Wonderful words! Each word makes sense and it beautifully written ❤️

    Please check out my blog, would be really glad-

    https://mahimajalan.wordpress.com/2019/12/22/22-lessons-from-2019/

    Like

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