Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Last week during my travels, I was able to experience both kindness and it’s jaded opposite in a single day.

The very nice man from the hotel staff—who not only brought me a cart, but hauled my copious amount of luggage (6 pieces total) to the garage and loaded it in my car—refused any tip, insisting that it was Mother’s Day and his pleasure. (Though, I assure you—those bags were freakishly heavy. Just ask Delta airlines.) Because of him, and other kind and helpful hotel staff, I will stay at the Marriott whenever I can in my travels. The people there are incredibly respectful.

On the other hand, a rental car employee stood and watched me unload this same luggage, without assistance (and sporting the slightest smirk) as I wrestled all six ridiculously heavy bags onto the ground and went in search of a cart—AND THEN informed me that he was charging me yet one more astronomical fee. Another rental employee also watched, amused, as I wrestled my cart toward the BROKEN automatic door, then stood aside, waiting for ME TO OPEN IT FOR HIM.  There was more, but I won’t bore you with the details. Needless to say, I will never rent from Hertz again. (They may have a policy against helping customers with luggage—I don’t know. But the door thing? Yeah, I can think of nothing to justify that.)

The thing is, it’s not always about company policy. Sometimes it’s about human beings treating each other with value and respect. Sometimes it’s about helping each other when it’s obvious that we need help. Much like the hotel gentleman--by the way, he was not a bell boy—who jumped to assist me because he could tell I was struggling. Unfortunately, that type of behavior is becoming more and more rare.

This is what is wrong with our society. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost sight of the basic important things, the little things that very often make a big difference. I think it’s up to each of us to be that person who makes a change, regardless of where we work or what we do for a living. Some things are about being human, and WE—not our jobs or companies or any other outside force—are the ones who choose how we act, and how we react, and what we stand for.

Will you be the person eager to jump in and help or the one who stands on the curb and smirks? It’s your call. But remember—one day you may also be the one struggling with the baggage. Which one would you want to encounter?

That is all.

*end rant*

The Power

One of the reasons I write is to rid myself of situations in which I feel helpless. To give myself power to look at both the good side and the bad, and to give my characters power over situations in which they might otherwise have none.

Sometimes I really do hope to help someone—even if it’s just one person—finds his or her own power. Whether it’s the power to save the world or the power to defeat demons (real or imaginary). The power to find courage, or the power to give of themselves. The power to be strong, to make better choices, and to choose good over evil.

Is this my way of fighting back? Of taking control of things I can’t personally fix? Maybe. Do I think I can change the world? Sure. Why not.

Someone has to try.

I Believe In Angels

Have you ever seen an angel?

Contrary to popular belief, angels don’t necessarily have wings and wear halos. Most don’t live in heaven playing the harp the way they do in fairy tales. They walk among us. Every day we pass them on the street, at traffic lights, waiting in line at the grocery store. Sometimes, we get to be the angels, while sometimes others become angels to us.

It’s amazing to me how people in general, despite all our bazillions of differences, have an ingrained instinct to help one another. I mean, okay, I know it’s not every single person on the earth, but for the most part, people are good. They—we—just are.

We care about each other.

Consider natural disasters, or massive tragedies, or other instances in which large groups of people are in need. We donate money, and blood, and time. We send supplies and help rebuild cities. Because at the end of the day, we recognize that we are all human beings. Fragile and needy.

Over the weekend, I was witness to a miracle. Smaller scale than those world-wide ones, but bigger, much bigger, for the family who was in need. It doesn’t matter who or why, just that a week ago, a young family I know was given one week to come up with an amount of money most of us would have cringed at in order to schedule a life-saving surgery for their infant son.

One week. Their hopes were very low that this would happen. But then someone sent out an email asking for people to donate pocket change in place of hope. Nothing much. Just a few dollars if you can, and please help spread the word by forwarding this email to others. (BTW, the family had no idea this was happening.)

In one week, that single email was forwarded across the country and back, and donations rolled in. Because people really are good. And because we’ve all needed the help of angels at some point, and for the bargain price of the change in our pocket, this was an opportunity for each of us to be the angel.

In a matter of five days, the angels managed to deliver. Not the full amount, mind you, but a very large portion of it. The parents of this baby were stunned, emotional, and very, very grateful. To all those who got that email and either donated it or forwarded it, the whole family (myself included) thanks you.

When was the last time you had angels help you? And when were you last an angel to someone else?