Your story reminds me of my mom. Some Sundays she puts 5 Hershey's Kisses in her purse and gives one to 5 different people. Some on the person's birthday, some just a little "kiss" of love, sometimes to someone in our burgeoning handicapped group. You would have thought she was giving them a million dollars. And she has fun doing it!
Carolyn
I can relate to the toll collector. Back in 2000 my boss of many years retired. In his wake I was put in charge. Having worked with John all those years, I watched how he went about his day. I knew what worked and what didn't. After few days of being the boss, I started saying good morning or good afternoon. Most people gave greetings back. I decided to greet everyone on a first name basis. Whenever a new employee came in I would ask their name. I think it made them feel comfortable. When an order came up we'd yell "order up". I thought that was impersonal. I began to yell their names when their order was ready. I also thanked them for their business. Customers flowed in. Sales went up. I learned that friendly customer service was the best way to go. My last evaluation I was commended on doing a good job. Since my own retirement, several coworkers have told me that the cafe wasn't the same.
It's nice to be nice. A smile and and good greetings travel far.
Live, love, laugh, learn, listen,
David
It is good to be reminded of such simple yet significant truths. It is harder regularly to enact them. Good post.