meet irving

never neglect the little things. never skimp on that extra effort, that additional few minutes, that soft word of praise or thanks, that delivery of the very best that you can do. it does not matter what others think. it is of prime importance, however, what you think about you. you can never do your best, which should always be your trademark, if you are cutting corners and shirking responsibilities. you are special. act it. never neglect the little things.- og mandino

it was thursday afternoon and i was waiting for my afternoon client, at pacific beach pier, in san diego. people walk, run, skate and bike the boardwalk pretty much non-stop there.  and out of the corner of my eye, i saw an old man in a bright yellow jacket ride by.

hello, he said. hi, with a chipper voice and a smile on my face, i replied.

i looked back out at the beach, when suddenly i felt a tap on my shoulder. it was him. the old man on the bike.  he had turned his bike around to say...

do you know how special you are?

ummm.  okay.  sure, i giggled.

no, i'm serious. you are so special. i hope you're appreciated. there aren't many people like you anymore. people get hurt and no one stops to help them. i know you would help.

yes. thank you. thank you.

i really do hope you're appreciated.  you should be.

i am appreciated. my husband and children love and appreciate me. and i'm so grateful. i'm grateful for them...and my life.  i have a really great life.

i can tell.

it didn't stop there.  with a smile on his face and his piercing blue eyes, he went on and on. we stood together for about 15 minutes. sharing. irving lives in pacific beach and has been married 62 years. he was raised in new york. and is not very fond of the people in san diego. he thinks kindness to one another is slim to none these days.  and he wishes things were different.

there's a part of me that thought irving had to be a bit crazy. and then the other part of me felt that it didn't matter. a message was sent. and i got it.

i'm on the right path in this life of mine. and i'm doing the right thing. i should be confident. and proud. i should feel special...each and every day.

irving saw it. so should i.

please don't ever foget... that there's something special in each and every one of us. know it. believe it. feel it. and others will see it too.

and never underestimate the power of kindness and a simple hello.