A Universal Language
Originally, the title of this post was going to be different from the one you just read. I cannot honestly remember exactly what it was going to be, but I do know that I changed it after I talked briefly with the lady in the picture.
Here is some of the “backstory.” Recently, Donna and I were in Cookeville, TN for some end of the school programs, concerts, etc. in which two of our grandchildren were involved – including the graduation of one of those grandchildren from high school.
Because of some of the policies of the school and because of his grades, he did not have to attend school as long as his freshman sister did. That meant, of course, that he did not have the “privilege” of taking her to school. As I remember it, he also didn’t volunteer to continue doing that! As a result, “Grampy” volunteered to be the chauffeur for a few days. It was during those days that I saw the lady in the picture “in action.”
There are basically two ways to drive into the area where students enter the high school. I found out that she alternates days doing exactly what you see her doing in the picture. I suppose that is her way to try to ensure that every student receives a smile and a wave on a regular basis. Her wave is not one of those almost robotic “queen of England waves,” but comes with a big smile and, if you read her lips, the words, “Have a nice day.”
I did not have to try to read her lips. After I had “deposited” our granddaughter at the school one day, I pulled my vehicle over close to where this nice lady was smiling and waving in order to talk to her. As I approached her, I actually could hear her say those words.
Some may wonder why I took the time to talk to a person I’d never met. The reason is simple. I just wanted to tell her how much I appreciated what she does. I also was curious about whether or not she was an employee of the school district, was representing some organization, etc. According to her, the only motivation was expressed in these words: “I am so blessed.”
When I talked to her, I also discovered something else. Her accent makes it very obvious that she is not from Tennessee. In fact, both her facial features and her accent strongly suggest that she is from another country.
It was of interest to me to notice the reactions of adults and children who drove by. In the short time I was able to observe what was going on, by far the majority of people returned a smile and wave.
I don’t know the lady’s name. I may never see her again. Neither of those factors, however, will keep me from remembering the couple of times I watched her do something that any of us – including me – can do if we choose to do so. We can greet people with a smile, a wave, and a kind word. Those “little” things may be all it takes to make the day better for somebody.
I took my granddaughter to school one more time after regular classes were over for the year. She had one more thing to do. Since school was officially over, the friendly lady was not there. I looked to make sure. I even went to both entrances into the school property. I missed that one small thing that she’s found that she can do to help people.
I had some other errands to run around town that day. I tried to smile at each person I met in the stores where I went. While waving might have been kind of over the top in a store, I did also try to speak to each person.
I’m thankful for the reminder I got while taking our granddaughter to school. That reminder was about a language that breaks down barriers that all too often divide people geographically, ethnically, socially, economically, and in so many other ways.
A small act that communicates to another person that he or she is of value may help that person more than we can ever imagine. Who knows? That act could make my day and my life better as well.
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
