Making Someone's Day


 One thing my parents told me often was how little it took to make someone's day.  They would often teach me that it cost you nothing to give a person a compliment.  They always taught me to feel sorry for people who were miserable and to try and make a special effort to compliment them and gave them positive feedback.  

The picture is my amazing man donating blood.  He started to donate blood when he was on the peak of middle age but he has made up for it.  As a dedicated blood donor myself, I encouraged him to donate for the first time.  After that, he didn't need any more encouragement.  He was hooked on the feeling you get when you know you potentially are saving three lives every time you donate.  

2021 has been an amazing year for my amazing man.  So many highs!!  Most importantly, he has been able to spend a great deal of time with our wonderful grandson, something that he was robbed of in 2020.  He has had lots of highs professionally.  He has found a way to get back to his busy lifestyle that keeps his battery charged.  He continues to have unconditional love and support from his partner.  He has made new friends and enhanced his relationships.  He has achieved some of his financial goals.  He has lost 30 lbs and feels better than he has in years.  Perhaps most significantly, he was recognized as being one of Manitoba's Top 150 Volunteers.  A badge he wears with great pride and is very well deserved.  

But, despite being the year that was, I think he had his high-light of year yesterday.  He received a pin in the mail from Canadian Blood Services just because he has a scheduled appointment between December 27-January 7.  The pin is just adorable.  He was so excited.  And I was so jealous but I was also so happy for him. You would think he won the lottery.  The pin was very meaningful to him.  It didn't just make his day, it made his year!!

Now, I know there was a monetary cost for Canadian Blood Services to produce and mail these pins.  My guess is that it didn't break their budget.  Just a small token of appreciation that was unexpected and appreciated.  It was their version of it doesn't cost much to make someone's day, so why not do it.  

You never how much a simple expression of kindness can mean to someone.  

By the way, the reason he got the pin was a reminder from Canadian Blood Services that between December 27 - January 7 they have a great deal of trouble filling appointments.  So, if you are still reading this, let me encourage you.  Donating blood is actually a wonderful way for you to make your own day.  You will feel like a rock star and you will be helping those that need blood.  The need is always there.  If you have an extra hour, please donate.  It is in you to give.   

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