I got the call from my mom just as I was leaving the house to buy a few things from the local Rite Aid. I had a good 24 hours to prepare, but it still hit me hard. I pulled up to the Rite Aid teary/puffy-eyed, no makeup, sweatpants/sweatshirt, and a frizzy pony to top it off. For a second I actually felt bad for the people who were about to witness this mess of a person.
I got up to the counter to pay for my light bulbs (and my box of tissues that I just used as an excuse to make it look like I was sick, you know, to explain my appearance...). Immediately after the cashier greeted me, he looked me in the eyes and said with a warm smile "You look like you're a good person."
Some people may call this exchange awkward, and he probably felt awkward saying it, but thank God he did. It's like he knew just what I needed to cheer me up at that moment. It was so little, and so quick of an exchange, but I'm still looking back and smiling about it. And he said that despite my horrible physical appearance! What a gem.
So, my simple point is: just say it. If you have a good thought about somebody - even if it's that the scarf they're wearing is pretty - tell them! You may feel awkward, and they may even be taken off guard and not know how to respond, but they'll remember. And you never know, those words may be the ones that stick with them most that day, that week, or even that year.
Rest in peace, Bodacious. Thanks for sending that neat little message. :)
