Here's To You, Stranger

I was talking with my hubby and sister, leaving the Ravens game last night, and we starting talking about people appreciating kind gestures.  Now, this might seem like a no-brainer, but I feel there are many people who have come to expect kind gestures and gifts, and no longer appreciate the thought behind them, or the meaning.

I am not talking about the waiter who does a crappy job and still expects 20% gratuity, although don't get me started on that :) Rather, I am talking about a person to whom you do a nice gesture or give a little something, and they come to expect that each time. I don't have a lot of people like this in my life, but I do have one in particular...let's call him Larry...who expects something, a plate of cookies, from us each time we see him. I don't have time to go into it now, but it is like visiting Grandma in the nursing home and feeling badly for her next door neighbor who never receives any visitors.

However, no longer is there a smile and a thank you from Larry, but more of a slight head nod and a smart remark. So the other day as I dutifully brought my expected exchange to Larry, something different happened...someone else was in his place. And so naturally I gave him the little plate of cookies, which was receive with a huge smile and a heartfelt thank you. But it didn't stop there, the gentleman went on to comment on our kindness and turned right around and shared cookies with all his friends in sight.

So for ever Larry out there I just have to reassure myself there is another stranger who someday will be in his place, and will brighten your heart to the core.

xoxo

Daily Mom