Appreciation

Hello All,

This is such an interesting time. (Well, I can think of other words, but interesting will have to do!) As I watch the news and commercials, follow Facebook and Instagram (I haven’t made it to Twitter yet!), I realize that there is no way to adequately show the HUGE appreciation I have for everyone on the frontlines, the essential workers – all of you who work valiantly every day to keep us safe, healthy, fed, sane! Sue Fitzmaurice, author, said “Being told you are appreciated is one of the simplest and most uplifting things you can hear.” So to all of you – THANK YOU! I know you are tired and weary as this pandemic lingers. I know you are giving your hands, heads, hearts and souls to your work. Please know that you are needed – you are appreciated – you are the backbone that is keeping our crazy world as whole as possible. I may not be able to reach out and hug each of you, so I am sending prayers for your continued strength, hope and peace. And I know there are millions of people across the entire world who are doing this very same thing.

This note of appreciation and support has made me think of so many companies that have gotten this support and appreciation right. There are many to name! My baby brother – can I call him that since we are both old? – loves Texas Roadhouse. I think he could eat there every day! Well, I have a new appreciation for this chain of 600 restaurants.  I would like to meet the founder Kent Taylor. In early March, he began to buy gloves, masks and eyewear for his employees so he could keep them safe – way ahead of any others in the food service industry. As the quarantine took effect and the corresponding decreases in his business, he began “creating his own stimulus package” for his employees. He donated his entire annual salary and bonus and an additional $5 million to an emergency fund that he had created for his employees…..over 18 years ago! The fund helps with “rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, even funeral expenses.” As of July 6th, his company has had no layoffs or pay cuts. Mr. Taylor said “It’s about taking care of our people.” What an incredible tribute to his employees – what a tremendous show of appreciation to the people who make his restaurants successful!

I have a new appreciation for NASCAR and the support/appreciation they have shown for all of their drivers. And what a tremendous show of respect and appreciation for Bubba Wallace.  I love Dove’s new campaign – Dove.com/ShowUs – that shatters beauty stereotypes and appreciates the strength and resilience of women of all shapes, sizes, colors, religions. It is good to see people be appreciated for who they are, what they do, what they bring to life.

I appreciate you! For continuing to read my blog – for allowing me to share thoughts and feelings – for writing comments back when I strike a cord – for keeping me straight – for making suggestions for me to improve – for being part of my life virtually! You are a gift!

I will end with a note from an unexpected prophet – Herman Munster. I know, you might have to be of a certain age to know about Herman Munster, the patriarch of The Munsters television show! He said “What matters is the size of your heart and the strength of your character.”

Thank you for the size of your hearts – for the strength of your characters. You are appreciated!

Phyl