The other day, I pulled into the gas station to fill my tank. As I glanced randomly towards and over the pump, I noticed what appeared to be the top of a California Highway Patrol motorcycle helmet. I peeked around the corner and there he was; one of California’s finest pumping gas into the tank of his Harley-Davidson. I said, “You guys really pump your own gas?” He smiled and said, “Yes. We have to put 89 octane in these things and we can only find that at certain stations.” We then continued with some idle chit chat for a while. I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him with that bulky, bullet proof flak-jacket he was wearing on a day in which the temperature was nearly a hundred degrees. “Have a nice day,” he said as he was putting the nozzle back in the pump. I said, “Thanks, be safe and thank you for your service.” He stopped, took his helmet off, looked at me and said, “What’s your name?” “Terry?” I said as if I didn’t even remember my name. He then said, “Eight years on the force and that’s the first time someone has said that to me.” “That’s sad,” I returned. He then smiled, got on his bike and off he went in the blistering heat.
That got me to thinking. To say “thank you” to someone is the easiest thing to do and often times it has a huge, positive impact on the people who are receiving the gesture. Yet, how many times do we say thank you to those in our lives who deserve it? Thank you to your parents for providing you with a splendid upbringing. Thank you to your significant other for making you a better person. Thank you to your children for inspiring you to be the best parent you can be. Gratitude is a powerful thing. Don’t be stingy with your thank you. I’m guessing there is someone you know who is in need of one right now.
Have a great weekend!
TERRY Talks 