I was in the college cafeteria to
get lunch today. I hadn’t been there in a while, I am graduated after all, but
I had found myself there again. I was in the back of the line but the lady
making food points to me and calls “grilled cheese?” she asked, already knowing
the answer “yes please!” I call back with a smile. And it was finished in
seconds; I think they started making it before she even asked what I wanted! I
had my food and was sitting down before the people in front of me even ordered!
You may be wondering how she
already knew what I wanted. It might even sound a bit creepy. Well, while I was
going to school there I would always ask for grilled cheese. It was what I grew
up on. It was something cheap that I knew I would like. I guess I could call it
my comfort food. And when I was in college I certainly needed some comfort
food. So, I always ordered the same thing. Grilled cheese every day. But there
are so many kids who go through that cafeteria every day, how could they still
know what my order is before I even walk up to the counter?
The answer is simple. I took the time
to talk to them. I was always there with a smile and a kind “please” and “thank
you.” I’ve been through that cafeteria so many times and so few students even
give them a second glance let alone tell them to “have a good day” or say
“thank you” or “please” for their food. It’s sad really. Today I realized that
I think they miss having me show up all the time. I could see their faces light
up when I walked in the room. I find I miss them too. They really made my time
at college bearable. I always looked forward to seeing them at lunch.
So today I decided to do something
special for one of the ladies. She always has a smile, is always commenting on
my outfits, and I always comment on her scarves she likes to wear. She has been
there for as long as I can remember, longer than any of the others. And even
when I was having a rough day, she would always bring a smile to my face. I
crocheted her a flower and gave it to her today; thanking her for all the times
she brightened my day. She was very grateful and immediately attached the
flower to her shirt where everyone could see. I hope I made her day, I hope I brought
a smile to all their faces by showing them some kindness today; they certainly made
me smile today!
So, take the time to say thank you today.
Take the time to talk to the cashier at the store, the lunch lady in the
cafeteria, thank the lifeguard at the pool. Wherever you are today, whatever
you’re doing, let the people around you know you care. It might just make their
day! And it’ll make yours a little brighter too!
