Life has slowly been returning to a form of normal this week as I went back to work. My co-workers and I have coined the phrase “The Year of the Question Mark” to describe what lies ahead in the public schools as the budget and millions of details that hinge on it are in flux. Friday, our department had a meeting in Hapeville (home of the original Chick Fil A!) and I packed up to make the dreaded trip down 400 and 75/85 south of the airport.
Traffic was moving remarkably well, a rarity on the Atlanta highways, and I found myself at the toll plaza before I knew it. I slowed to the window marked “change” to find a smiling man probably in his 70s waiting to take my money. I wished him good morning and handed him my dollar distractedly, a million things I had to do in the day ahead swirling around my brain. His response got my attention immediately. “Good morning pretty lady! I hope you have a blessed and beautiful day!” he boomed and his words were like a strong and much needed cup of coffee.
I had to laugh in response to his joy in the midst of honking horns and exhaust fumes, but it was if he had given me a gift. I can’t remember the last time someone called me pretty and something about his demeanor reminded me of my dad, giving me comfort and encouragement in that ten second exchange. It was a beautiful day and hadn’t I just won a desperately needed pedicure that morning in our PTA drawing? So what if I don’t know what lies ahead this year? At least I have a job and we will just roll with (and dodge) the punches like we always do. I couldn’t help but smile as I drove south down the Atlanta highways, thinking about the man in the change lane and counting my blessings.
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Tags: blessings, Georgia 400, Hapeville, job, schools, toll booth
This is a very interesting point of view. Your blog is refreshing, but I wish one could find more content, though. I am looking forward to reading more from you. Keep up the good work. thanks.