The “Thank You” game
Cheryl Richardson – This time of year always makes me think of my Dad. A big, burly guy who became quite a mush in his old age, my Dad loved to surprise people with little gifts of kindness, especially during the holidays. Sometimes he’d bring miniature Christmas trees to elderly clients who were home-bound and lonely.
One time I saw him slip a $20 bill to the oil guy when he came to fill our tank during Thanksgiving week. My Dad was an accountant who offered his time and expertise to clients who were financially strapped and couldn’t afford his services.
This morning, as I thought about my Dad, I went back into my blog archives and pulled out the “Thank You Game” post I used to send every year during Thanksgiving week. I decided to share it again this year with a few updates. Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, I promise you’ll make someone’s day by saying thank you. Here are some ways to do it:
~*~ Send a card to a parent you admire and thank them for being a great mom or dad (and for contributing to humanity in such an important way).
~*~ Acknowledge an employee who served you well by sending an email to his or her boss.
~*~ Send a thank you note to someone who would least expect it, like your auto mechanic, dental hygienist, or doctor. A simple, “just in case someone hasn’t told you lately, I’m grateful for your support and I think you’re terrific,” will be a nice surprise.
~*~ Bring a box of goodies to the post office, your local fire department, or police station, and let the employees know that you appreciate them. From what I’m told, they rarely get this kind of acknowledgment, and seeing the surprised look on their faces is a joy in and of itself.
~*~ Leave a larger-than-normal tip hidden under a cup for a restaurant server. I still remember finding a twenty-dollar bill under the coffee cup of an elderly patron when I was eighteen and waiting tables at a local diner. I was stunned and I can still see his face today.
~*~ Send a voice memo to a friend who supported you through a difficult time this year.
~*~ Look for a stranger who is doing something well and say what you see. Tell a mom who skillfully handles a meltdown with her son at the grocery store that you think she’s a Rockstar. Or acknowledge the man who holds the door for others by telling him that you appreciate that chivalry is alive and well.
My way of saying thank you is to host a community Zoom gathering on Thanksgiving Day (11/27) at 11am ET/8am PT. Feel free to stop in and say hello, ask a question, or receive a little support. Space is limited, so be sure to arrive early. If you’ve registered for a previous Zoom gathering, you’ll automatically get an invite. If not, you can get the Zoom link by signing up here.
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for being a member of my online community. I certainly appreciate you!
Love, Cheryl
© Copyright 1999-2024 Cheryl Richardson, P.O. Box 13, Newburyport,
MA 01950, www.cherylrichardson.com. All rights reserved.
SF Source Spirit Library Nov 2025