“You Are Appreciated”
I believe VERY MUCH in signs… from the Universe… like the Universe is ALWAYS “talking” to us… if we are willing to listen. I feel as if the Universe has been talking to me A LOT recently… almost TOO MUCH… I am feeling a bit overwhelmed these days but I DO appreciate the communication and the “care” the Universe has shown me recently.
There is a resident at the apartment complex where I live. His name is Vernon, and he “gets” me… we are similar in age and we just “get along.” Every time we see each other the interaction, whether long or short or simply just a “Hello”, leaves me feeling better about the world! Vernon is one of those individuals who has a brain and LIKES to use it… and uses it VERY, VERY WELL. Some of the conversations we have had have honestly left me a bit stupefied… and I have spent days trying to unravel some of the things we talk about. I REALLY appreciate Vernon and I value the “friendship” we have… his presence in my life makes things better.
A few weeks back, I was in the pool in the early morning trying to avoid all the others and Vernon came in the gate. We exchanged our normal pleasantries and he then said something like, “I just wanted to stop and say ‘Thank you.’ I have noticed that when you enter the pool, you never let the gate ‘slam’ shut… and even though this might seem like a small thing, it is REALLY APPRECIATED! Where I live, I can hear everyone as they enter and leave the pool, and when the gate ‘slams’, it is pretty jarring. You are appreciated, Hylan. I appreciate you!”
We talked for several more minutes… At first, I tried to deflect the “compliment”… just saying it is “the least I can do” and it “bothers me when the gate slams also” and whatever other words I spoke… but then we both agreed. It IS a very small thing… but it IS BIG to us both! This small act of not letting the gate to the pool slam shut is a recognition there are others in this world and they deserve respect and “proper actions.”
Such a simple thing. Such a simple conversation. Such a simple concept… but THAT conversation on THAT day and at THAT moment was more meaningful and much more positively impactful than Vernon will ever know… and I just want to state this…
YOU are APPRECIATED, Mr. Vernon. You are VERY MUCH appreciated, my friend! Thank you.