Lynne’s been moving into our newly remodeled kitchen; filling up the drawers and cupboards with all the stuff we emptied out of the old cabinets last week. I think she was having a great time because she was singing Doris Day tunes. We have a houseful and so I volunteered to get lunch for everyone. I love it when I get to be the gallant provider. Must be hard wired into my nature. When I march home with lunch for my extended family I feel like a frontier’s man bringing home an elk or a buffalo to get his tribe through the winter. Although I’m not sure drive through at Arby’s (with coupons) is quite as macho as the elk or buffalo.
When I placed my fast food feast for the fam on the dining room table my three year old grandson seemed particularly excited by the chocolate shakes. He took his and came up to me and said, “I must thank you for my chocolate shake, Tappaw.” There was something about the way he said it, and THAT he said it without being coaxed that took me by surprise. And something happened to me I wasn’t expecting. I FELT appreciated differently than I think I ever have before. And it made ME more GRATEFUL for being needed AND able to deliver, even if it’s something as simple as a $1 Value Shake at Arby’s.
Being needed and being thanked is such a HUGE part of most men’s formula for being happy. I’ve been extremely lucky that I married someone who expresses thanks freely and often. And I’ve lucked into a career where people are soooo generous in expressing thanks for the stories I tell and the songs I sing. Knowing how happy this makes me has awakened a renewed recognition for the joy that comes from being able to work, because with work we are filling a need. And in filling a need we know we are needed.
The other thing I got from Bucky’s thank you today is a commitment to say thank you to others more often. I tried it just a few minutes ago and it felt great. I hope that all my expressions of gratitude are as sincere and heartfelt and honest as Bucky’s, “I must thank you for my chocolate shake, Tappaw.”
Now all I have to decide is if I’m giving him the keys to the Land Rover now or when he can actually drive.
6 Comments
Hi Uncle Mike! How fun to find you here.
What a sweet thank you! I love those spontaneous thank yous from little ones. They mean so much, don’t they? I need those thank yous too–it’s really affirming.
Now do you want to bring ME an Arby’s shake?
HOLY CATS!!! WHY DIDN’T I KNOW ABOUT THIS? MY FLIPPING WORD. G is a bonehead poop not to have told me about this. And I am groveling in the gravel in apology that I haven’t been here before. The kitchen is remodeled? Bucky is there? HE CAN USE THE MODALITY “MUST” CORRECTLY???? And even with a BRITISH twist? (Buckingham Palace).
I don’t know though – can I read happy stuff and not end up chasing myself around the house with guilt? Yes. Yes I can. You have already forced me to look at this gray, sloppy, nasty day in a new way. Subversive happiness. It’s SO like you.
“no sincere compliment should go unoffered.” I have often tried to say thanks or show appreciation for others service in my behalf, but I think it can help spread the joy a little farther when we just stop and say “hey I love that shirt.” or “cute shoes”. If you are thinking it anyway why not open your mouth and let the compliment come out?
Speaking of work, I got a job this week! I went in for an interview on Monday and went to work Tuesday morning. How did you put it? “… a renewed recognition for the joy that comes from being able to work, because with work we are filling a need. And in filling a need we know we are needed.” In the middle of all the craziness, I am glad to know that I am still needed. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!
Kristen posted a link to your blog. How fun that you are doing this! The blogging world is a fun place. Funny. I was just thinking about Swiss Days and how much fun Kristen, Geneva, your sweetheart, and I had. I was thinking about the cute little horsey wall measure thing a ma bob that Lynne bought to measure Bucky as he grows and interestingly enough…….about you bringing out the apples for us gals to eat as we talked your ear off out on the porch. Well, I ate……the others talked.
I was hungry man!
I must thank you for sharing this story now, Tappaw! ~
For sharing all your stories!~
loved this!!