Spreading a Little Happiness
Woman in the Middle | July 23, 2013Over the past few weeks Hubby and I have gotten to spend quite a bit of time with Big Bro on his home turf. We have been to multiple doctor’s offices, the store, and the bank. We have been flabbergasted that, every time Big Bro goes to a familiar place, he knows the name of EVERYONE who works there and he greats them with great cheer by name. I can say first hand that this really makes an impression. I called the office of one of his doctors last week and I couldn’t even got Big Bro’s whole name out before the receptionist said, “He was supposed to have an appointment today. IS HE OK?” Yes, the capitals were necessary to express the frantic concern in the receptionist’s voice. Believe me, there has never ever been anyone, including the doctor, at a doctor’s office that had expressed that much concern about me!
Watching Big Bro work a room, saying “Hi” to all the folks by name has been quite the eye opener. It has made me think. Maybe I could try a little harder to learn people’s names. May be I could try a little harder to give a cheery greeting. Maybe I could spread sunshine like my Big Bro.
I tried it today. I called a fellow who comes into my work regularly by name twice. I was so proud of myself! Until I heard a coworker use his name. His name is Dario. I called him Darius. Twice….Sigh. I have a ways to go before I can match Big Bro!
As I mentioned in my last post, Big Bro was in the hospital. Eight longs days in a hospital at least an hour away from us. He is now home, I am happy to report. He is getting around, fixing his meals, and going to meetings with friends. We are hoping this storm has passed and it will be smooth sailing for a little while at least.
Glad to hear that your brother is better. Every time I try to use someone’s name (other than friends and family you I usually can remember) I also screw them up. One time I called a woman at work by the name of another ginormous co-worker. You could say I was on her bad list for a long time.
That is why I usually don’t use people’s names – I am afraid I am going to mess them up!
I know how good it feels to be called by name when I go to the chemist or the post office and I myself try to use a persons first name if I know it when I am speaking to them pretty much everyone at the doctors surgery know me and my family as pretty much every family member goes to the same surgery.
I used to substitute teach. If a student said “Hey! Mrs. Evans!” and I couldn’t remember their name, I would just put on my southern charm and say, Hey, Sweetie! How are ya!” Down here everybody is either Sweetie, Darlin’ or Honey!