The first thing that popped into my head was that I have felt appreciated by a number of blog readers recently.
I’ve gotten some emails and comments from people letting me know that my main blog has been a source of encouragement and calm and cheer in their lives.
I feel a combo of honored and surprised whenever I hear this from readers; the thought that the typing I do on my WordPress dashboard has real effects on people’s lives is amazing, and I think it is such a privilege to be able to make a difference this way.
I recently took some photos of my brother and his fiancé for their save-the-date cards. They were under a time crunch, and so they were both very appreciative of me helping them out.
I also was just telling Mr. FG that Zoe is such a good appreciator. She routinely says thank you when I do basic things such as helping her with geometry or taking her somewhere or giving her a hair trim. Of course, I would do those things regardless of whether she appreciated them, but I really appreciate that she expresses her appreciation!
And not only does her appreciation bless me, I believe that her appreciative attitude will serve her well throughout her life. Appreciating other people is good for the person doing the appreciation.
(I have now typed the word “appreciation” or some variation thereof so many times in a row, it is starting to not look like a real word anymore.)
I know it will not surprise you to know that your first one is one of mine, as well. I recently noted on my blog that I’ve been writing there for 14 years (which is . . . crazy), and many people commented that they hope I write 14 more. I have also had people tell me during the last year that they have gone back to the beginning of my blog and read every single post as a way to distract themselves from current events. I consider that a great compliment, indeed.
I recently took part in a church activity that was from 5:30 to 7 pm, on a workday, in the town where I work, not live. I go to church in the same town I work in, so I commute 55 miles each way, six days a week. When some of the other church volunteers asked where I live and found out it was 55 miles away, they overwhelmed me with appreciation that I would stay after work to come help. I didn’t do much different – only stayed later and then drove home, instead of leaving to drive home a little after 5, but it was heartwarming to receive their thanks and appreciation.
I recently started working extra hours each week (with the hospital system where I work full-time) to register and check in people from the community who are getting their COVID vaccine shots. An overwhelming number of them have expressed their heartfelt thanks “for being here, for doing this, for making the process so smooth and easy”. The first wave of people who “qualified” in my state were those 80 and over, and they were especially gracious and thankful. It has been an amazing experience being a part of this.
I should say, too, that reading your blog has been a blessing to me, both in the before times and during this pandemic. Being a health care worker has been extra stressful this past year.
Last month (I think) I helped my son make a recipe he reaaaallly wanted to make (chocolate eclairs from scratch). That evening, he turned to me with a smile on his face (my tall 16-year-old with whiskers), gave me a hug, and said, “Mom, thank you for helping me do this. I had a lot of fun.”
That was really special.
In thinking about this, I have to say how awed I feel to be able to say that there are too many to narrow it down! And that’s today only!
Time-wise, I just got off the phone with a friend, and when I said I had mailed a pamphlet that she wanted, she was so grateful for what seems like a pretty small thing. I guess I’m *LUCKY* or blessed to live a life where I can give and receive and express and receive appreciation so often!
Those save-the-date pictures are beautiful!
I work at a school, and got flowers one day this past week from a parent. I did the same thing for her son that I’ve done for many students, but this mom brought in flowers. I may have teared up a little!
It’s interesting to me that you’re a little surprised that your blog has been a source of encouragement and calm and cheer for people because I read that and think, “Well, of course!” because I know how much of those things your blog has provided for me. Though I know I don’t say it often enough.
I have felt appreciated by my 2yo daughter lately. Cooking for 3 kids (with 1 who is a bit picky) can bring about a variety of reactions each day, but quite often recently my youngest has been telling me, “Mommy, thank you for making this yummy food.” It’s small, but it’s so encouraging and refreshing. It’s been neat to see how her older siblings will sometimes follow her lead with this!
I guess it’s just that typing words on a screen feels sort of insignificant, in a way. So I don’t tend to think that I am making a big difference for someone because what I do feels small!
So sweet that your two year old is encouraging you. I love that!