I've been having major technical issues recently -- which is very unusual for me. So I haven't posted much. I have, however, made lots of friends at the Apple store.
One Apple Specialist (or was it an Apple Genius?) told me he was sorry that I was having issues, but, that I was such a "delight" and had such a "bright smile" that he liked having me come in all the time. Great. (No, he wasn't flirting -- he's like my dad's age). His comments didn't do anything to solve my computer problem, but, is it sad that they kind of made my day? And, it made me glad that I didn't explode at the "geniuses" at the store.
Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to say or do something positive to make your day. I need to remember that.
I noticed this picture tonight. It was sitting on my computer desktop. It made me smile. In football, coaches hand out stickers after games to recognize players' efforts. Score a touchdown: sticker. Make a good tackle: sticker. Do anything remotely awesome: yup, sticker. And the kids love it. Mac, especially, loves the stickers.
Wouldn't it be nice if we all got stickers when we did something right? If someone noticed that we were really trying? It wouldn't have to be an actual sticker for me, just a metaphorical sticker... a thank you or a good job. Something that says, I see you and I know you're doing your best.
Mac is a free spirit, happy almost always, enthusiastic, full of life. Which is great, mostly. Sometimes, though, he's forgetful, scattered, easily distracted by what's most amazing at each moment. I'm afraid he hears a lot of: you need to focus, Mac!...have you done your homework, Mac?...where's your sweatshirt?... you forgot to check in!...etc., etc., etc.
A couple of weeks ago, he was late coming home from a friend's house. He called to say he just couldn't come home yet. He was waiting for a girl to get home so he could deliver a valentine -- a rose and some chocolates. Huh? My Mac? Delivering a valentine? To a girl? I was floored. I was about to launch into my usual speech about being on time and being responsible. I also considered sharing my thoughts on the appropriateness of 6th grade boys delivering valentines gifts to girls.
Then...he told me who the girl was. She's an awesome girl in his class. He says she's fun and funny and nice to everyone. She also has Down's Syndrome.
Mac noticed she wasn't at the 6th grade Valentine's field trip. And he heard that his friend had delivered a gift to this girl's friend across the street. So, he and a friend decided to deliver something too.
And they did.
I heard later that it totally made her day. Hmmm. So,this scattered, crazy boy of mine just happens to have a gigantic heart. He forgets his lunch, his library books and his homework. He gets caught up in the moment and forgets to check in. But, he also notices the kids that might need a friend... and the little girl who might just love a valentine. Amazing.
Leave it to Mac to remind me that I need to hand out less advice and fewer reminders... and a lot more stickers.