Sometimes in this cold, crazy world it's easy to feel that you could fall through a crack and no one would actually miss you (unless of course they needed something from you). And during those those times when this sense seems especially magnified, something happens that restores your faith and reminds you that you do make an impact where you least expect it.
We had a strategy meeting in Connecticut today with the management team from our Baltimore division. It was a productive and fun day. We went out after work for a little nosh, a drink and some team bonding. I headed back into the city afterwards, enjoying the sparse traffic on the highway. As I pulled into Manhattan, my cell phone rang. It was Evening Ahmet, the nighttime attendant at my parking garage.
"Hi Ahmet," I said puzzled at his call. I wondered if I had forgotten to pay the monthly parking bill.
"Are you alright?" he asked gravely.
"Uh, yeah," I replied, still quite confused. "Is something wrong?"
"Well," he began tentatively, "you're usually here no later than 8:30 and it's 9:30 now so I was worried that you had an accident or some trouble on the highway."
I was stunned. "No, no, " I assured him, "I'm heading down Broadway now and I'll be there in five minutes."
He began to stammer, "It's just that you're usually here before 9:00 and you've looked very tired lately and I was concerned something happened to you."
When I pulled onto 153rd Street minutes later, he was standing at the garage entry. We had our usual evening banter and then I shook his hand in appreciation for his thoughtfulness. It really meant alot to me that in some small way, I mattered enough to warrant concern from the garage attendant.
People surprise me everyday.
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4 comments:
I love that. It's nice to find out when you've made an unexpected impression, or that someone thinks about you when you're not standing in front of them. Sometimes I wonder how long I could lay dead in my apartment before my body is discovered. I guess Misty's dog walker would find me...so not more than a weekend.
That is an awesome story. Makes me believe in humanity. Just what I needed to hear after a day of crappy bitter patients and their families.
I'm always thinking about ya, C&W. :-)
That's really sweet. And I know you're not fishing for attention, but I'll tell you anyway that I do think about you even if I don't pop in as often as I used to.
You've made a very big impression on me- the way you're so giving and kind to so many people. I don't know where you find the energy. I wish I could be more like you.
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