Are you finding things to be grateful for that you had not thought of before? As soon as we are more mindful of all the people and things to be grateful for, the more goodness seems to come out of the woodwork.
I sent a heartfelt card to Mac. He was a colleague that worked in VA and retired several years ago. Mac was the ultimate credit professional and was close to a paralegal. He was a dedicated employee and was someone to turn to if I needed to get advice. He brought a lightness to our job and is such a fine and admirable person. Work is definitely different since he retired.
Dave was a one in a million boss. After working with Don for 4 years, Dave (he was Don's boss) called me up out of the blue at work and said "How would you like to move to Raleigh?" That was my official job interview and offer! I was both terrified and thrilled at the prospect of being a manager (like Don and Mac). I did not think I was qualified for the job, but I thought if he had confidence that I could do the job, maybe he knew something I didn't. I do not think I would have been as successful at my job if it were not for Dave. He was a great boss; not the most tactful one, but he was always spot on when he questioned me about a customer. Plus, he LOVED to have fun. He was a great dancer and loved to go to Myrtle Beach with our credit group. He was definitely not all work and no play. I learned we can work hard in doing our job and still have a great time. I have such wonderful memories of those "good ole days".
I was very grateful to Beth for coming to meet me and a co-worker to discuss how we could get involved in the Donate Life organization. She has a nursing degree but is dedicated to making people aware of the importance of organ and tissue donation. She was so well spoken and you could tell she is so very dedicated to what she is doing. I learned a lot in the 40 minutes she spent with us and Sylvia and I are very excited about getting involved. Sylvia's ex-husband passed away recently and he donated tissue and bones and corneas. So we both have a connection and an interest in spreading awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation.
I hope your week is a great one. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to be grateful.
Warm wishes
Annie
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Walt, Chef Don and Antony
I hope your week has been a fantastic one. To quote Maya Angelou "Every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back".
Walt is a co-worker and I've known him for 10 years. His 84 year old mother passed away last week. She was suffering from Alzheimers and Walt loved her dearly. I sent him a sympathy card expressing my deepest sympathies. Even though you may have a loved one who you know is ill, it is still so devastating to lose them. I pray for Walt and his family as they grieve the loss of their loved one.
I sent a thank you note to Chef Don who teaches cooking classes in Winston. I went to a class on how to use knives and he was such a good instructor. He was so generous and gave each of us (over 24) a paring knife and a knife sharpener (called a "steel"). It was obvious that he and his staff put a lot of time and energy into preparing for the class. I will be going back for more lessons!
The last card I sent was a thank you note to Antony. He is the President of our Credit Group and he came to visit our group for the first time. (He is from Orlando). He was very professional, answered our questions and concerns and it was a very good meeting. So I thanked him and told him that I appreciated his efforts.
To close, another quote from Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel".
Make it a great day.
Warm wishes,
Annie
Walt is a co-worker and I've known him for 10 years. His 84 year old mother passed away last week. She was suffering from Alzheimers and Walt loved her dearly. I sent him a sympathy card expressing my deepest sympathies. Even though you may have a loved one who you know is ill, it is still so devastating to lose them. I pray for Walt and his family as they grieve the loss of their loved one.
I sent a thank you note to Chef Don who teaches cooking classes in Winston. I went to a class on how to use knives and he was such a good instructor. He was so generous and gave each of us (over 24) a paring knife and a knife sharpener (called a "steel"). It was obvious that he and his staff put a lot of time and energy into preparing for the class. I will be going back for more lessons!
The last card I sent was a thank you note to Antony. He is the President of our Credit Group and he came to visit our group for the first time. (He is from Orlando). He was very professional, answered our questions and concerns and it was a very good meeting. So I thanked him and told him that I appreciated his efforts.
To close, another quote from Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel".
Make it a great day.
Warm wishes,
Annie
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Dawn, Stephanie and John
Hope you have had a great week and weekend. I am excited as I have found several new people to add to the list of recipients of my simple sentiments. If you really pay attention, you can find people to thank in the oddest of places. Since I am not exactly sure I KNOW 365 people, I am really trying to pay attention to the people in my life who are making it better (and maybe they don't even know it)
The people who I have written to most recently include a friend that I have know for about 15 years. Her name is Dawn and she was hired in another departement where I worked (in Raleigh). When I had an opening as a collection assistant she applied and I hired her. Dawn was a working machine. She could put out some work and it was always well done. She was eager to learn and was a very loyal employee. She was promoted and moved to another city as Financial Manager. When I was promoted and moved back to Greensboro, she took my job in Raleigh. Since both have the same job, she continues to be a great friend. I know I can count on her to keep confidences and if I call her she will be right over. She stayed with me in the hospital after my transplant and came over to take care of me (and give David a break). Even though we are in different cities, she is only a call away and I am proud to have her as my friend.
Stephanie is my one and only niece. She is 24 and is a firefighter/paramedic. She is beautiful inside and outside and has always amazed me. She was a very precocious youngster and has a wonderful heart. She is also very independent and has gone on many, many adventure trips by herself while in high school. As a firefighter she was the only female in her class and was in the top of her class. I am so proud of her and can't wait to see what her future holds.
John is my cousin (in-law) and lives in Virginia. He has always been devoted to his family roots. Although he is not married and has no children, he always makes sure he comes to the family events and is so good at keeping in touch with us. This year, he sent a picture of his mother on a camel to my husband. He said he remembered my husband mentioning it a few times at family functions. He is so very thoughtful.
Here's hoping your week is a great one. Be Kind.
Warmest wishes,
Annie
The people who I have written to most recently include a friend that I have know for about 15 years. Her name is Dawn and she was hired in another departement where I worked (in Raleigh). When I had an opening as a collection assistant she applied and I hired her. Dawn was a working machine. She could put out some work and it was always well done. She was eager to learn and was a very loyal employee. She was promoted and moved to another city as Financial Manager. When I was promoted and moved back to Greensboro, she took my job in Raleigh. Since both have the same job, she continues to be a great friend. I know I can count on her to keep confidences and if I call her she will be right over. She stayed with me in the hospital after my transplant and came over to take care of me (and give David a break). Even though we are in different cities, she is only a call away and I am proud to have her as my friend.
Stephanie is my one and only niece. She is 24 and is a firefighter/paramedic. She is beautiful inside and outside and has always amazed me. She was a very precocious youngster and has a wonderful heart. She is also very independent and has gone on many, many adventure trips by herself while in high school. As a firefighter she was the only female in her class and was in the top of her class. I am so proud of her and can't wait to see what her future holds.
John is my cousin (in-law) and lives in Virginia. He has always been devoted to his family roots. Although he is not married and has no children, he always makes sure he comes to the family events and is so good at keeping in touch with us. This year, he sent a picture of his mother on a camel to my husband. He said he remembered my husband mentioning it a few times at family functions. He is so very thoughtful.
Here's hoping your week is a great one. Be Kind.
Warmest wishes,
Annie
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Attorney, Dentist and Competitor
Interesting group of people isn't it? That is the beauty of finding people in your life to be grateful for. They are ALL around us, in every part of life; some we don't even know. Let me tell you about this group of people.
I met David, my employer's attorney, about eight years ago. He handles collection issues for us and from the very first case we gave him, he wowed us. He has collected 90+% of all cases we have given him (this includes attorney fees and interest). He has definitely spoiled us, as when we have cases in other states and have to use other attorneys they never live up to our expectations. On a personal level, he has continued to show his concern for me and also for my family. We also enjoy social outings such as ballgames and picnics. He is the ultimate professional and I am honored to have him represent us.
Dale is our family dentist and I started going to him over 25 years ago (took a break when we moved to Raleigh). He had the chore of redoing all of my porcelain crowns and did SUCH a beautiful job I was in heaven. When we moved back to Greensboro in 2002, back to him we went. Since I have such troublesome teeth, I have really kept him busy. He has taken such good care of me and my son and husband and I so appreciate him.
Jimmy I have known about 15+ years and we are in the same industry and are competitors. We are in the same credit association and I can always count on Jimmy to keep confidences. I can rely on him should I need someone to bounce an idea off of. Over the years we have shared our child rearing issues, and our ups and downs. He was so diligent about calling and emailing me when I was out with my illness just to make sure I was doing well.
Here's wishing you a fantastic day.
Warm wishes,
Annie
I met David, my employer's attorney, about eight years ago. He handles collection issues for us and from the very first case we gave him, he wowed us. He has collected 90+% of all cases we have given him (this includes attorney fees and interest). He has definitely spoiled us, as when we have cases in other states and have to use other attorneys they never live up to our expectations. On a personal level, he has continued to show his concern for me and also for my family. We also enjoy social outings such as ballgames and picnics. He is the ultimate professional and I am honored to have him represent us.
Dale is our family dentist and I started going to him over 25 years ago (took a break when we moved to Raleigh). He had the chore of redoing all of my porcelain crowns and did SUCH a beautiful job I was in heaven. When we moved back to Greensboro in 2002, back to him we went. Since I have such troublesome teeth, I have really kept him busy. He has taken such good care of me and my son and husband and I so appreciate him.
Jimmy I have known about 15+ years and we are in the same industry and are competitors. We are in the same credit association and I can always count on Jimmy to keep confidences. I can rely on him should I need someone to bounce an idea off of. Over the years we have shared our child rearing issues, and our ups and downs. He was so diligent about calling and emailing me when I was out with my illness just to make sure I was doing well.
Here's wishing you a fantastic day.
Warm wishes,
Annie
Saturday, January 14, 2012
8th month anniversary - Thank you cards
Well, I've received three wonderful responses from the notes I have sent. I've always said, we get back what we put out into the universe. If we put out negativity and operate from a perspective of lack that is what we get back. If we put out positive energy and operate from a philosophy of abundance that is also what we get back in our lives.
Anyway, my dear friend Debra was the first person I sent a note to. She said she was very touched by the note I sent and the sentiments I conveyed to her and said it really meant a lot to her. She also said reading the blog has made her pay attention to the people in her life that she needed to acknowledge.
Today I received a note from Davids Uncle David. He said he so appreciated my words and said it was so sweet of me to think of him. He is turning 90 this year and is such an amazing man.
I knew exactly who I was going to send Friday (the 13th) and Saturday (the 14th) cards to. Friday marked the 8th month anniversary of the fateful call I received from Duke telling me to come in for my new kidney. And the 14th marked the 8th month anniversary of my surgery. I immediately thought of the two people at the kidney center who took such good care of me from 12/09 to 5/11. That was Dee and Sara. After Thanksgiving 2009 it was apparent that I need to have the surgery for my dialysis catheter. After I healed from that I had to start peritoneal dialysis. The wonderful nurse and staff at the kidney center are responsible for training patients on how to do dialysis at home. They were both so very kind and patient. During my training, I often drove home and had to pull over to the side of road while I got sick. I had more abdominal pain than most people because I had a hernia and they both took such good care of me. I had to go there every month for lab work and had to bring in my dialysis records and such. I could always count on them to keep me in line and to listen to any problems I had. For that I am eternally grateful. I may even pop in on them soon to say hello and maybe bring them some treats!
Decide today you are going to find 5 things to be grateful for. Tell the people you tend to take for granted, specific things you love and admire about them.
Make it a great night and see you soon!
Annie
Anyway, my dear friend Debra was the first person I sent a note to. She said she was very touched by the note I sent and the sentiments I conveyed to her and said it really meant a lot to her. She also said reading the blog has made her pay attention to the people in her life that she needed to acknowledge.
Today I received a note from Davids Uncle David. He said he so appreciated my words and said it was so sweet of me to think of him. He is turning 90 this year and is such an amazing man.
I knew exactly who I was going to send Friday (the 13th) and Saturday (the 14th) cards to. Friday marked the 8th month anniversary of the fateful call I received from Duke telling me to come in for my new kidney. And the 14th marked the 8th month anniversary of my surgery. I immediately thought of the two people at the kidney center who took such good care of me from 12/09 to 5/11. That was Dee and Sara. After Thanksgiving 2009 it was apparent that I need to have the surgery for my dialysis catheter. After I healed from that I had to start peritoneal dialysis. The wonderful nurse and staff at the kidney center are responsible for training patients on how to do dialysis at home. They were both so very kind and patient. During my training, I often drove home and had to pull over to the side of road while I got sick. I had more abdominal pain than most people because I had a hernia and they both took such good care of me. I had to go there every month for lab work and had to bring in my dialysis records and such. I could always count on them to keep me in line and to listen to any problems I had. For that I am eternally grateful. I may even pop in on them soon to say hello and maybe bring them some treats!
Decide today you are going to find 5 things to be grateful for. Tell the people you tend to take for granted, specific things you love and admire about them.
Make it a great night and see you soon!
Annie
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Angela, Sandy and Daniel
Hope everyone spoke kind, uplifting words today. I tried hard but I know I had some slip ups.
My recent cards were to sent to a friends daughter, a co-workers wife and my nephew.
I have known Angela for over 15 years. She is the daughter of a good friend of mine and is the same age as my son Nick. She has such a sweet smile and is a hard worker. She works as a receptionist and has such a pleasant phone voice. She has had a few rough years and I just wanted to encourage her and tell her what I saw her strengths as. I told her I believed in her and I thought she had a good future in store for her. Sometimes we just need to know that someone out there believes in us (besides our parents who are supposed to believe in us no matter what)
Sandy is the wife of a co-worker (who by the way is a GREAT cook) who recently had back/neck surgery. I sent her a get well card and just wanted to let her know that I was thinking and praying for a speedy recovery. I know it is miserable when you are in constant pain. After my kidney transplant, one of the medicines I was on gave me severe pain in my feet. It was like I had dropped heavy cans on the top of my feet and that they were sprained. I could barely walk around and I know how depressing it is to wonder if your pain will ever go away. Luckily I stopped the medicine and my pain went away. I hope Sandy's recovery is a quick one and that the surgery will cure her pain.
My nephew Daniel is in college in PA and is a senior. I am so proud of how much he has matured and gotten his act together. He is like a big teddy bear and sometimes you just want to pinch him he is so cute. He has worked really hard this year and is focused on his school work. I told him I was proud of him and knew he could do whatever he put his mind to. He is graduating in May!!
I received a blessing today as a result of one of the cards I sent out. I got a call from my former boss Don. He said he got my card and was so surprised and touched. He said he was not worthy of my kind words. He then told me how I made his job so much easier and that I had the gift of intuition that helped make me a good credit manager. Of course he is a very humble man and that is part of what made him such a great leader. A lot of people can manage other people, but not everyone can be a leader.
Pay attention to the people in your life this week (strangers included) and stop and think how you can touch their life. Sometimes it is just with a smile acknowledging that you see them. Also pay attention to the kind acts and deeds of other people.
Make it a great day!
Annie
My recent cards were to sent to a friends daughter, a co-workers wife and my nephew.
I have known Angela for over 15 years. She is the daughter of a good friend of mine and is the same age as my son Nick. She has such a sweet smile and is a hard worker. She works as a receptionist and has such a pleasant phone voice. She has had a few rough years and I just wanted to encourage her and tell her what I saw her strengths as. I told her I believed in her and I thought she had a good future in store for her. Sometimes we just need to know that someone out there believes in us (besides our parents who are supposed to believe in us no matter what)
Sandy is the wife of a co-worker (who by the way is a GREAT cook) who recently had back/neck surgery. I sent her a get well card and just wanted to let her know that I was thinking and praying for a speedy recovery. I know it is miserable when you are in constant pain. After my kidney transplant, one of the medicines I was on gave me severe pain in my feet. It was like I had dropped heavy cans on the top of my feet and that they were sprained. I could barely walk around and I know how depressing it is to wonder if your pain will ever go away. Luckily I stopped the medicine and my pain went away. I hope Sandy's recovery is a quick one and that the surgery will cure her pain.
My nephew Daniel is in college in PA and is a senior. I am so proud of how much he has matured and gotten his act together. He is like a big teddy bear and sometimes you just want to pinch him he is so cute. He has worked really hard this year and is focused on his school work. I told him I was proud of him and knew he could do whatever he put his mind to. He is graduating in May!!
I received a blessing today as a result of one of the cards I sent out. I got a call from my former boss Don. He said he got my card and was so surprised and touched. He said he was not worthy of my kind words. He then told me how I made his job so much easier and that I had the gift of intuition that helped make me a good credit manager. Of course he is a very humble man and that is part of what made him such a great leader. A lot of people can manage other people, but not everyone can be a leader.
Pay attention to the people in your life this week (strangers included) and stop and think how you can touch their life. Sometimes it is just with a smile acknowledging that you see them. Also pay attention to the kind acts and deeds of other people.
Make it a great day!
Annie
Monday, January 9, 2012
Jane and Joyce
Here's hoping you had a fantastic weekend and found lots to be grateful for. I know sometimes it seems hard to find things to be grateful for because we think they have to be big, momentous events. We need to be mindful to be grateful for what seems to us to be mundane; like the warmth and coziness of our bed, electricity, the unconditional love of our pet.... you get the idea.
Sundays card was sent to Jane. Jane is my mother-in-laws (Caroline) neighbor. Not only that, she is an amazing artist and I am in awe of her talent. She is specializing in graphic arts right now (and if you know of anyone hiring in this area, let me know). I think that this year is going to be a great year for her and that God has great things in store for her. I really appreciate the fact that she looks after Caroline and takes good care of her when needed. It is reassuring to us not to have to worry about Caroline not having anyone near her if she should need someone. ( in our absense)
Today I sent Joyce a note expressing my appreciation for her. Joyce works for a competitor and I have known her for years and years and years. She has an incredible work ethic and is very professional. I trust her judgement and know I can ask her for advice if needed. She is someone I can rely on and I know she would not steer me wrong. I found out through our "networking" that she is a really cool lady. She has a passion for geneology and her knowledge in this area is phenomenal. She sings and plays banjo and played and sang ever since she was young. Her stories would keep you entertained for hours. She is dearly devoted to her husband of 30 some years to the love of her life Steve. She is truly a unique woman and I so admire her.
Is there anyone you admire but have kept it secret from them? Why not tell them today?
By the way, if you have some free time, I would highly suggest you rent the movie "Pollyanna" (or read the book).You will find out what the "glad game" is and you might even want to start playing this yourself.
Make it a great day,
Annie
Sundays card was sent to Jane. Jane is my mother-in-laws (Caroline) neighbor. Not only that, she is an amazing artist and I am in awe of her talent. She is specializing in graphic arts right now (and if you know of anyone hiring in this area, let me know). I think that this year is going to be a great year for her and that God has great things in store for her. I really appreciate the fact that she looks after Caroline and takes good care of her when needed. It is reassuring to us not to have to worry about Caroline not having anyone near her if she should need someone. ( in our absense)
Today I sent Joyce a note expressing my appreciation for her. Joyce works for a competitor and I have known her for years and years and years. She has an incredible work ethic and is very professional. I trust her judgement and know I can ask her for advice if needed. She is someone I can rely on and I know she would not steer me wrong. I found out through our "networking" that she is a really cool lady. She has a passion for geneology and her knowledge in this area is phenomenal. She sings and plays banjo and played and sang ever since she was young. Her stories would keep you entertained for hours. She is dearly devoted to her husband of 30 some years to the love of her life Steve. She is truly a unique woman and I so admire her.
Is there anyone you admire but have kept it secret from them? Why not tell them today?
By the way, if you have some free time, I would highly suggest you rent the movie "Pollyanna" (or read the book).You will find out what the "glad game" is and you might even want to start playing this yourself.
Make it a great day,
Annie
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Notes of encouragement - Saturday, January 7, 2012
I am so energized by this journey that I think it has helped me with achieving some of the other simpler goals I set for this month. I have a history of starting projects (all sorts of projects!) and not finishing them. Even when I come up with an idea for a project, the little devilish self talk in me says, "This is just something else you will start and not finish". And it usually is. It seems like a bit of self-sabotage.
Something about this quest, has quieted that little voice and that excites me and gives me hope!
I discovered a co-workers mother (Gladys) had just had surgery in order to start hemo-dialysis. And the father (Edward) is having trouble coping with all that is going on. This is a situation that I relate to and it really touched my heart.
About a year or so ago their daughter passed away with kidney failure. I didn't know her, but when the salesman shared her story (before she passed away) I asked him if I could write her a note. Kidney failure took her eyesight so when she was in the hospital, Edward read my note to her. Shortly after she passed away, I received a full typed page from Edward . It was the most touching note (and I still have it) telling me how much my words of encouragement meant to his daughter and how much she and the family appreciated my sentiments.
Anyway, when I learned of Gladys' surgery and Edwards difficulty coping, I really felt the calling to send them both words of encouragement just to let them know they were in my thoughts and prayers. As you say your daily prayers, please include this family.
I pray that each one of you is touched by the spirit and that God keeps you in his care.
Make it a great day.
Annie
Something about this quest, has quieted that little voice and that excites me and gives me hope!
I discovered a co-workers mother (Gladys) had just had surgery in order to start hemo-dialysis. And the father (Edward) is having trouble coping with all that is going on. This is a situation that I relate to and it really touched my heart.
About a year or so ago their daughter passed away with kidney failure. I didn't know her, but when the salesman shared her story (before she passed away) I asked him if I could write her a note. Kidney failure took her eyesight so when she was in the hospital, Edward read my note to her. Shortly after she passed away, I received a full typed page from Edward . It was the most touching note (and I still have it) telling me how much my words of encouragement meant to his daughter and how much she and the family appreciated my sentiments.
Anyway, when I learned of Gladys' surgery and Edwards difficulty coping, I really felt the calling to send them both words of encouragement just to let them know they were in my thoughts and prayers. As you say your daily prayers, please include this family.
I pray that each one of you is touched by the spirit and that God keeps you in his care.
Make it a great day.
Annie
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
I am so excited by this adventure. I have enjoyed re-reading my posts. Just writing my notes brings back so many memories and I am really able to focus on the person I am writing to that day. I also say a prayer for them as I write and seal their note.
Yesterday I had the honor of writing to my first "mentor" (although that was unofficial). I started working at Graybar in 1982 as a "trainee". I worked in the office and then in the warehouse and progressed to a customer service representative. In 1984 Don offered me a job as his financial assistant.I didn't even know how to operate an adding machine. (I used to take it home every night and practice on it!). He was the first one to show me the pay grade level and how far I could go. He was the ultimate professional in his training as well as when dealing with customers. He walks the walk! I never felt like I made a mistake in my 4 years with him (although I made plenty). THEN he made me feel like I came up with the solution to the problem at hand. That is a true sign of leadership and a rare quality. When I was offered the position I currently have, I could always rely on him for advice if my boss was not available. He is the type of person I can only aspire to be like. I truly adore him and appreciate his leadership/training and friendship. Our life would not be the same if Don had not given me a chance and for that I am forever grateful.
Joe is the recipient of todays card. He is a customer in VA that I have know for many, many years. He is about 70 something years old and is such a hard working businessman. He is one of the few customers who calls me with updates on payment on his account. When I was out on leave from work, he was THE very first person that I received a get well card from. That meant so much to me. Also, while I was out, he would call my assistant at work and ask her how I was doing. He still calls me out of the blue sometime just to ask how I am feeling. I appreciate him as a customer, but I really appreciate his compassion and thoughtfulness.
Here's wishing you a wonderful evening and I hope you make it a great day tomorrow.
Best wishes,
Annie
Yesterday I had the honor of writing to my first "mentor" (although that was unofficial). I started working at Graybar in 1982 as a "trainee". I worked in the office and then in the warehouse and progressed to a customer service representative. In 1984 Don offered me a job as his financial assistant.I didn't even know how to operate an adding machine. (I used to take it home every night and practice on it!). He was the first one to show me the pay grade level and how far I could go. He was the ultimate professional in his training as well as when dealing with customers. He walks the walk! I never felt like I made a mistake in my 4 years with him (although I made plenty). THEN he made me feel like I came up with the solution to the problem at hand. That is a true sign of leadership and a rare quality. When I was offered the position I currently have, I could always rely on him for advice if my boss was not available. He is the type of person I can only aspire to be like. I truly adore him and appreciate his leadership/training and friendship. Our life would not be the same if Don had not given me a chance and for that I am forever grateful.
Joe is the recipient of todays card. He is a customer in VA that I have know for many, many years. He is about 70 something years old and is such a hard working businessman. He is one of the few customers who calls me with updates on payment on his account. When I was out on leave from work, he was THE very first person that I received a get well card from. That meant so much to me. Also, while I was out, he would call my assistant at work and ask her how I was doing. He still calls me out of the blue sometime just to ask how I am feeling. I appreciate him as a customer, but I really appreciate his compassion and thoughtfulness.
Here's wishing you a wonderful evening and I hope you make it a great day tomorrow.
Best wishes,
Annie
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
My first cards, Tuesday, January 3, 2012
So, I sent out my first 3 cards today. I couldn't decide who to send the first cards to; should it be to
family or friends and then of those, who should it be? I decided to send the first card to my friend
Debra. I met Debra about 30 years ago after I graduated from ECU in 1980. I got my degree in
Special Education and back then it was hard to get a job. So I got a job as an Aide and landed in
Debras classroom. She was truly the first friend I ever had who ALWAYS had a good word to say
about everyone. I never heard her say something to put you down under the guise of "just kidding".
That was new to me. I always felt better about myself when she was around. I am a better person
for knowing her. She gives freely of her time, her love and of herself. I hope that you have a friend like Debra in your life. Better yet, I hope YOU are a friend like that.
My next card was to my one and only Aunt. Aunt Kae is 93 and lives by herself in New Jersey. She is the most amazing woman. She and my late Uncle Charlie never had kids of their own. She was always so very supportive of me and my sister and was always there for my mom who raised us by herself. We went on one vacation growing up (in 1969) and that was to her place in NJ. I never knew that I liked meatloaf until I had her meatloaf. It was quite the revelation to find out foods I didn't like at home that I liked at her house. When I was a senior in college,she loaned me $1,000. I paid her back month after month consistently. When I finished paying her back, she sent it back to me. To this day, she continues to be an inspiration to me and my sister. She is a wonderful listener and gives great advice. I love her dearly.
The third card I sent was to Davids Uncle David who lives in Wilmington, NC. He and his late
wife (Aunt Kitty) welcomed me as part of the family the minute I met them (even though I wasn't
family yet). Every time I had to travel to Wilmington for work, they made sure I came to see them
and had dinner ready for me. I never knew my dad, so to me Uncle David was like the dad I never had. When Aunt Kitty suffered from Alzheimers, he went to visit her every single day. He never missed a day. I love him dearly and don't tell him often enough.
Here's wishing you a great New Year. Try to send one card this week to a person in your life who inspired you in some way. You will never know how much you will touch them.
Warm wishes
Annie
family or friends and then of those, who should it be? I decided to send the first card to my friend
Debra. I met Debra about 30 years ago after I graduated from ECU in 1980. I got my degree in
Special Education and back then it was hard to get a job. So I got a job as an Aide and landed in
Debras classroom. She was truly the first friend I ever had who ALWAYS had a good word to say
about everyone. I never heard her say something to put you down under the guise of "just kidding".
That was new to me. I always felt better about myself when she was around. I am a better person
for knowing her. She gives freely of her time, her love and of herself. I hope that you have a friend like Debra in your life. Better yet, I hope YOU are a friend like that.
My next card was to my one and only Aunt. Aunt Kae is 93 and lives by herself in New Jersey. She is the most amazing woman. She and my late Uncle Charlie never had kids of their own. She was always so very supportive of me and my sister and was always there for my mom who raised us by herself. We went on one vacation growing up (in 1969) and that was to her place in NJ. I never knew that I liked meatloaf until I had her meatloaf. It was quite the revelation to find out foods I didn't like at home that I liked at her house. When I was a senior in college,she loaned me $1,000. I paid her back month after month consistently. When I finished paying her back, she sent it back to me. To this day, she continues to be an inspiration to me and my sister. She is a wonderful listener and gives great advice. I love her dearly.
The third card I sent was to Davids Uncle David who lives in Wilmington, NC. He and his late
wife (Aunt Kitty) welcomed me as part of the family the minute I met them (even though I wasn't
family yet). Every time I had to travel to Wilmington for work, they made sure I came to see them
and had dinner ready for me. I never knew my dad, so to me Uncle David was like the dad I never had. When Aunt Kitty suffered from Alzheimers, he went to visit her every single day. He never missed a day. I love him dearly and don't tell him often enough.
Here's wishing you a great New Year. Try to send one card this week to a person in your life who inspired you in some way. You will never know how much you will touch them.
Warm wishes
Annie
Monday, January 2, 2012
January 2, 2012
I can't believe I have started a blog. I don't think I have ever even READ a blog. But as we enter into a brand new year, I wanted to embark on a brand new experience (even if it is a bit terrifying).
2010 and 2011 were definitely challenging and wonderful years for me. I was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy in the early 1990's when we lived in Raleigh, NC. The disease progressed slowly and I was placed on the kidney transplant list at Duke Hospital in 2006. I went on peritoneal dialysis early 2010 and faced some challenges but nothing traumatic. I consider myself very, very lucky that I could do dialysis at home while I slept (or tried to sleep). We received 4-5 calls in the last year but none of them worked out. We were even admitted to the hospital one time and got all hooked up. Then it turned out that the kidney was damaged. Back home we went, I little disappointed but still certain that God was going to provide the perfect kidney for me.
Well the fateful call came on Friday the 13th of May 2011. All I know about the donor is that they were from Raleigh, NC. I had the surgery at 1am on Saturday the 14th and went home on Wednesday. I had the most amazing surgeon and nurses and my amazing family and friends took care of me when I returned home. I did write to the donors family but have not heard back. I pray that each day brings them healing and strength.
ANYWAY, I know we all have so much to be thankful for and often we take things and people for granted. I started a gratitude journal many months ago and it definitely helps me to focus on the positive. I have always loved sending letters and note cards to people and have done so over the years (even to people I do not know). I heard about someone who sent out a note a day for a year to people who touched their life and that really inspired me and got me to thinking about that.
So I made my list and got my cards and have started on my 365 day journey of thankfulness. I will keep you updated as I journal my journey and hope you enjoy it. I would also love to hear your comments.
2010 and 2011 were definitely challenging and wonderful years for me. I was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy in the early 1990's when we lived in Raleigh, NC. The disease progressed slowly and I was placed on the kidney transplant list at Duke Hospital in 2006. I went on peritoneal dialysis early 2010 and faced some challenges but nothing traumatic. I consider myself very, very lucky that I could do dialysis at home while I slept (or tried to sleep). We received 4-5 calls in the last year but none of them worked out. We were even admitted to the hospital one time and got all hooked up. Then it turned out that the kidney was damaged. Back home we went, I little disappointed but still certain that God was going to provide the perfect kidney for me.
Well the fateful call came on Friday the 13th of May 2011. All I know about the donor is that they were from Raleigh, NC. I had the surgery at 1am on Saturday the 14th and went home on Wednesday. I had the most amazing surgeon and nurses and my amazing family and friends took care of me when I returned home. I did write to the donors family but have not heard back. I pray that each day brings them healing and strength.
ANYWAY, I know we all have so much to be thankful for and often we take things and people for granted. I started a gratitude journal many months ago and it definitely helps me to focus on the positive. I have always loved sending letters and note cards to people and have done so over the years (even to people I do not know). I heard about someone who sent out a note a day for a year to people who touched their life and that really inspired me and got me to thinking about that.
So I made my list and got my cards and have started on my 365 day journey of thankfulness. I will keep you updated as I journal my journey and hope you enjoy it. I would also love to hear your comments.
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