The Little Things

What makes life special? We all have routines. We get up at a certain time during the work week. Some people eat the same breakfast every day. Others have to have a hot shower, a cup of coffee or tea before they start their day. At times, I feel like I am going through the motions and life is ticking away. We are all too busy. Life is hectic. I prefer the slow lane in life. The “stop and smell the roses” path.

So what is life? Are we important? What role do we each play? What role do I play? I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a wife, a mother, a friend. I am part of my family, the family I married into, my employers’ family and my church family. I have friends that I consider family. That is a lot of LIFE to consider and think about.

Yesterday, I received an email from a high school, no an elementary, friend. He is a dear friend that thinks enough of me to send me emails with strong messages. He knows how to “punch” me and set my mind in motion and leave me with tears in my eyes. I get after him about that, telling him he needs to warn me that I might need a tissue or two. Today Todd forgot that warning. In the email he sent were some words that touched me and made me think, thus write this. Those words were:

We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will ALWAYS remember HOW you made them feel.

So why am I writing this. After reading the story about a cabbie that picked up an old woman and drove her around for 2 hours before taking her to the hospice residence, he spent time with her, talked with her and made her feel special and loved. I thought, "It is the simple, pure things we do in life that really matter." I smile a lot, I say hello to strangers as I walk by. Those are little things that I hope brighten someone’s day. People have asked me why I smile often. First, it makes me feel good even when I am having a “gray” day. Second, I know smiles are contagious. Third, why not smile?

Funerals and memorial services are not high on anyone’s list of events to attend; however, think about why you are there. People gather to celebrate that persons’ life. Celebrate. We celebrate their life as they are in a better place than we are. We mourn our loss as we are left here without them and their absence will be felt. I like to hear what others have to say about the person that has departed. People mention good deeds, helping others, giving of their time, putting others before themselves. At my great-aunts funeral, my uncle mentioned my aunts’ cookie jar. A cookie jar, of all things. I smiled because I too, remembered her cookie jar. Her cookie jar was never empty and she always offered him cookies and then made him take a few extra cookies, just in case. It was a small gesture to her, but it obviously meant a great deal to him and others as he recalled it. The little things that people remember because they were touched by that person. They felt special and loved.

I enjoy slipping little notes in our children’s lunch pails. I want them to know, even though we are apart, I love them and think about them. I cut their sandwiches with cookie cutters for a special touch. Occasionally, I drop Hershey kisses into my husbands’ lunch pail (sweets for my sweetie). I love to hug my family.

I’ll ask someone in a parking lot if I can take their empty cart back to the store for them. I hold a door. I say thank you, please and have a nice day. I send a short email – just to say, "Hello, I am thinking of you." I know there are many more ways, simple things I can do throughout the day to make someone feel good, even for a second.

Do something simple today. Make a difference. Take the time, slow down and make a “heart print” on some one. Make them feel good, special, loved!