Thanking the People

The lines to D-gates were inexplicably long at PDX Thursday afternoon. They divided us up into two lines that reached nearly all the way back past the doors of Pendleton store. It was there by the door that a woman approached me, smiling.

The election was over so I had no idea what she was hawking but I backed away as soon as I saw the 4 by 6 card in her hand.

Would you mind helping us? she asked.

I looked around for the Bleeding Heart sign hanging on my back. No may be the last word to enter my vocabulary. It’s one I still forget from time to time. Sister Tater and I were just discussing that very thing earlier in the day, talking about all the ways in which daughters have a difficult time telling their mamas no. Do sons ever deal with that problem?

Just take this card, the lady continued. Give it to someone who does a good job. That’s all you have to do. Give it to an employee at the airport who goes out of their way to help you.

Okay, I said. Easy enough.

It’s the adult version of earning Citizen of the Month award.

I like it.

Wouldn’t it be great if we went about our day handing out 4 by 6 cards to people who treat us kindly?

I might have some made up, come to think of it. Instead of a business card, I think I’ll hand out YAY YOU! cards.

My choice for the good citizen card was a clear cut choice. After I misplaced my boarding pass (stuck it inside the book I was reading) the Delta counter guy reprinted me one, without even asking to check my ID. Guess he figured that if I could spell Zacharias, I must be Zacharias. What he said though was that he trusted me.

“You have the kind of face that speaks trust,” he said.

I knew it. I should have gone into politics. (I did write myself in as mayor and someone else wrote me in for Senator, so I’m told.)

“Thank you,” I said, taking the newly printed boarding pass and then handing him the Good Job! card.

“Thank you!” he said, grinning.

I’m not sure what reward the employees at PDX get for doing good deeds but I hope it includes a sunny beach somewhere.

What are some of the most creative ways you’ve been thanked or thanked someone for doing a good job?