Remembering the Little Things

Today was my 53rd birthday.  Even though I am not the girl I once was, I have made it 53 years and don't look too worse for the wear.  My day started off with me oversleeping.  I woke up at 6:06.  Pulling my self out of bed, thinking I hate mornings.  I don't hate morning in and of itself, I hate morning before 7:30 or 8:00.  I made my way into the bathroom with Kitten right on my heals.  Every morning we play the game "How fast can you close your make up drawer before I steal your brushes."  Nothing beats chasing a cat around early in the morning with a $25.00 make up brush in her mouth.  Then we play "I am going to try to drink water while you brush your teeth.  And, my personal favorite.  I am going to keep you from putting your pants on.  Even though I get a little put out, she is just so darned cute I have a hard time staying mad.  But, this morning I did not have time.  But, I made time to snuggle with her before I put my contacts in for the day.  She got her morning face time and I gave her a can of tuna.  I know she is spoiled.  Maritza called and wanted to make sure I was coming into work because she wanted to remind me today was Cheryl;s birthday.  "No, it's my birthday Maritza, Cheryl's is Friday."

I made my way to work.  Entering my office I found balloons and decorations.  And a spa gift certificate.  The day before I had come so close to going in for a massage, but was just too worn out.  It had been a ruse to make sure I was coming into work.  Kids sang me happy birthday.  Hugs were a plenty.  But, my favorite part of the day was the cards from my life skills students.  The best part of my day is greeting them as they get off the bus.  Each day they are so happy.  I just love them.  Each one made me a card.  I didn't know Mrs. Conner could be spelled so many ways.  But, each had the same thought.  My friends Melody and Ann Marie took me to lunch.  And, I was asked by one of my students to come to his speech class to see his speech.  I was honored.  My daughter had her 4th grade class sing me happy birthday.  My son called and sang me happy birthday.  It was an awesome day.

When I got home, my son and daughter-in-law brought Mexican food over and a cake.  It was a wonderful day.  Not a ton of money was spent.  Just people wishing me well.  It dawned on me that is what we need to do every day even if it is not someone's birthday.  We need to make people know they matter.  A kind word, a smile, a pat on the back don't cost a thing, but are worth their weight in gold.  So, tomorrow take the time to let someone know they do a good job and that you appreciate what they do for you.  As my mother used to say you catch a whole lot more flies with honey than vinegar.  Because in reality you may not know what that person in going through personally, so little things like feeling appreciated will fuel their fires.  And who knows they may even pay it forward.  I know I will.