Ever since I wrote down my 100 things that delight me, my mind has been coming up with lots of OTHER things that I love... Nothing as important as ketchup though, mind you!
One thing I should have added was surprises. I love surprises... And perhaps I'd better clarify that I'm talking about GOOD surprises.
On Monday, as I was preparing to leave work for the day, I had a visitor.
I wish I had a picture of him to share, but think of a combination of Kenny Rogers and Colonel Sanders (without the bucket of chicken and "Gambler" song playing in the background) and you pretty much have the idea. A very distinguished-looking, older gentleman with lots of white hair... beard, moustache, the whole nine yards.
I'd met this older gentleman last year at our local high school. (When we couldn't walk outside for exercise, my friend/work colleague Lisa and I would log in a couple of miles every night at the high school.) We made a few friends along the way as we huffed and puffed around the hallways. "Col. Kenny Sanders" was one of them. I believe at the time he and his brother-in-law were walking as part of their recovery from some major surgery.... knee, hip... something like that.
So, I was very surprised to see "Kenny" at my office... and even more surprised that he was bearing gifts. He places a glass shadowbox on my desk. In the center of the shadowbox was a beautiful mounted butterfly. As I examined the shadowbox more closely, I could see that my name was etched onto the glass. I was a little more than puzzled.
"Kenny" explained that he'd remembered that I had mentioned (over a year ago, folks) that I love butterflies. Since then, he'd been working on these little shadowboxes and wanted me to have this one.
With a little flourish, he then produced a battery from of his other pocket and inserted it into the back of the shadowbox. To my amazement, the butterfly began to turn... It was SO cool!
Here's a picture of the butterfly shadowbox.
I gave "Kenny" a big hug and thanked him for his kindness. It was the BEST surprise!
I can't begin to explain the synchronicity involved in this gift... and honestly, I'm not even going to try. I'm just going to enjoy the moment... (and pass along the kindness to someone else.)
Who doesn't love a good surprise?
Embarrassing disclaimer: I referred to this gentleman as "Kenny" in my blog because honestly, throughout our entire encounter on Monday, I couldn't remember his name! And I couldn't figure out a tactful way of saying, "Thanks so much for such a kind, generous gesture... uh, what was your name again????"
As I showed Lisa the shadowbox the next day, I asked her what the heck "Kenny's" name was...
Of course, she knew right away that it was Larry... and that his brother-in-law was also Larry.
Oh yeah... that's right. Larry and Larry!
Thanks, Larry!
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