Sometimes, I need to arrive at work early in the morning, around 6 AM, which means I have to leave my house around 5 AM (yes, it is quite difficult to wake up at 4 AM :)).
Luckily, our work arranges for a cab driver to pick up employees from their respective homes before 5:30 AM. But since we don't have one consistent cab making the rounds every morning, the drivers often are not familiar with the employees' addresses. They end up having to roam around early in the morning to pick up close to fifteen people.
During my (not so often) early morning commute to office, I have been watching an employee who seems to come to the office early on a regular basis. He also generally gets picked up first by the drivers. Since he usually travels at the same time, he happens to know the addresses of most of the employees. So, this person ends up helping the driver pick up rest of the employees every morning.
He patiently directs the cab drivers while also calling each employee to inform them that the cab is a few minutes away from their residence. He does this for ten to fifteen employees! At 5 AM, no less!
What's impressed me the most is that, over time, I have observed him do this every morning, without any complain or irritation.
Just yesterday, I was just wondering how this person can do this every day, without complaint, even though it's neither part of his job description, nor giving him any added advantage. Then I realized that maybe he simply just enjoys helping out the driver and employees.
As soon as that realization crossed my mind, I thought: "This is a person who definitely deserves a thank-you note."
So I just wrote a card for him yesterday evening, telling him that he has a great attitude and that all the employees really appreciate the act of service that he provides every morning without fail. Then, I tucked the note in an envelope, along with some chocolates, and slept on the idea of handing it to him the next morning.
Today, when I was supposed to hand my note to him, I felt a rush of fear and confusion pass over me. I don’t know why exactly, but I was little scared at the prospects of giving my card to him. Maybe it was because I have never even spoken to him, and I don't really know who he is. Maybe I was uncertain about how he would react-- whether he would make fun of me, or doubt my intentions. This was the first time I had ever tried to give a thank-you note to a stranger, and I realized that we are not really used to doing something like this in our society.
So, up until the last moment, I was in a confused, doubtful state. I really did not know whether it was a good idea to hand it over or not. But, then, while he was getting out of the cab, I just thought:
"I know my intention is good, and that’s the reason why I should give it to him. What he thinks of it, and how he reacts, is totally his own decision. I should do what I feel is right."
So, with my heart beating fast, I handed the small note and chocolates to him. J
And now, I feel really happy!
Maybe I made someone’s day today. J Wow. It is such a nice feeling.
And I must say – I got the courage to do something like this just by reading the stories on this website.
Thank you very much, for your continued inspiration! J
- Posted by ThisWilPass
- Mar 21, 2013
- Comments (15)
