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.
We 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.
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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)
What a lovely story. Enjoy your Christmas and holiday time.
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Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas also
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Have a wonderful Christmas and a great 2020 🥳
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Thank you Elaine, I hope 2020 will be a special year for you. I have been blessed so much in 2019 – my gratefulness for my kidney transplant will keep me smiling for a long long time.
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See you next year, Dave. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Thank you Crystal, see you then, I will still blog probably between now and Christmas but if I don’t that’s ok too. Merry Christmas and healthy, joyful holidays. We always attend a candlelight service close to home, looking forward to it.
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That sounds lovely. We’re heading to Oklahoma. We might see some snow after all.
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Good reminder. 🙂 I hope you enjoy your break and the season. Happy Christmas. 🙂
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Happy Christmas 🙂 Stay warm and stocked up on hot chocolate.
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Thank you. 🙂 In a little over a week I am taking a break in the warm Caribbean, so as much as I like it, no hot chocolate will be required for a bit. 😉
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I’m a tad jealous! Have a wonderful time, we visited the Dominican once and had a slice !!
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Great post.
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Merry Christmas Bob! Hugs!
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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!
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We will be talking soon. Merry Christmas! 🙂 I like your comment, and many people light up with a smile when you share one with them.
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I got here late but I’m glad I did. Merry Christmas and I’ll see you on the other side.
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Merry Christmas. Don’t hesitate with your ideas on how I can improve, appreciate it.
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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/
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