So, I have this super sweet and kind friend who works at my neighborhood grocery store. She is the customer service manager and has worked there for the 14 years it has been open. She was a stay at home mom/seamstress until both of her sons finished high school and started work at this store for insurance and retirement, etc. After seeing her all of these years, she has become a dear person to me. We haven’t hung out besides grabbing a bite in the food court at the store where she works or when she came over to measure my kid’s windows to make window treatments, but she is very important to me.

Over the years we have swapped stories and shown pictures, and she has been so sweet and kind to us by giving us little gifts for special occasions like when I finished grad school or for my daughter’s bday. I have given her nice toys for her granddaughter and a car seat and Belle tea cart. It is a mutual admiration society all the way around. That is why it was so hard on me when she first got so sick 6 years ago. It started out with her terrible asthma that landed her in the hospital and then her stroke and now her need for a kidney. This lady has been through the wringer and then some, to say the least.

But this lady still has the best attitude that I have ever seen. I feel so guilty when I tell her things that I am going through, but she TOTALLY insists on it because she said it takes her mind off of things. Also, she can tell when I am not myself and for some reason I want to spill my guts when I see her. She is one of those people whom you feel like you can tell everything to and she makes you feel like what you are saying is so important to her. She is just a special lady. Moral of the story? With all that she has going on health wise, she is so positive and kind and amazing. It really helps to put things into perspective.

While many of us are complaining about it being Monday, and yelling at people in traffic (me) and getting mad at a spouse for not taking out the trash, this lady is fighting for her life-everyday! And if you met her today, with her beautiful smile, contagious laugh and awesome spirit, you would never know all the she has going on. Life is such a gift and if more people viewed it like my friend does, there would be less suicide and depression and sadness in the world. She truly lives everyday like the gift it is and she an inspiration to all who meet her.

I know this is cliché’, but when you see someone working somewhere and they may not be super friendly, ask them how they are doing. You never know what they are going through at that moment. They could be extremely ill, suffering because of the recent loss of a loved one, or having problems at home. It takes a few seconds to be kind to everyone. If you aren’t particularly chatty or outgoing, just say hi and smile. That simple gesture can give someone hope or maybe help them to realize that there is good in the world. Just a PSA. Happy Monday…

simply~

Dee