A Thank You Is Always the Right Thing

By Julie Dieterle

I recently ran into a long-time friend who I had not seen for several years. Her smile and laugh caught my attention right away. Our conversation led to “that’s an article” moment. We both agreed that our meeting triggered a flood of warmth. Being at the farmer’s market on a sunny day was what brought us joy, re-discovering a friend, and appreciating the colors of all the produce–when there was so much out there that was perplexing to us.

What in our life is meaningful? Both of us were experiencing sudden bursts of gratitude, opportunities to say thank you, and unexpected messages and meetings came bursting forth on the scene!

She said she had a call from a high school biology teacher she had 50 years ago. He had called to thank her for showing up for him and his wife when they had a very late still birth baby. He said, “You would not believe what it meant to us.” She shared with him – “You saved my life! When I was going through very hard times at home, you opened your office door to me and gave me a place of openness and safety where I could just be.” He responded “I knew that!”

I felt such gratitude for the workers and having access to food, gas and fresh produce—I felt the urge to thank everyone who was working at the grocery store, at the farmer’s market, and gas station on this 4^th of July weekend. I had some conversations with vendors and workers that I might not have been taken the time to have and really felt an urge to be connected.

So, if you can go back and thank someone, do it. Even 50 years later! OR–you can pay it forward and show appreciation for what is right there in front of you–be grateful!! This seemed like a real 4^th of July Interdependence Day.