I grew up on a working dairy farm in South Dakota. It was 350 acres of corn and pasture near Mitchell (you know, the home of the corn palace). Later in my teen years, we moved to west central Wisconsin on 80 acres of pasture. No matter what state I lived in – cattle were outside of my bedroom window. Looking back, that seems kind of odd…nonetheless, cattle weren’t what I loved – horses were. I was like any other girl growing up on a farm – I wanted – no DEMANDED – a horse to ride, and care for, and love all my life.
Eventually my dad caved in and bought me a hefty steed. Then of course I had to ‘show’ this beast – I mean, I showed cattle in 4-H, so of course I had to show this guy. So off we go to pony “playdates” at the local fairgrounds.
I was lucky in that my best girlfriend at the time also loved horses and wanted to join me on these playdates. One caveat – her family didn’t own a trailer.
My dad agreed to haul my friend’s horse along with mine to the fairgrounds 30 miles north for a Saturday afternoon fun show. We all had our fun for the day and then we loaded the horses back into the cattle trailer and my dad returned us to our respective homes.
After dropping off my friend and her ride, my dad turned to me and said “We will never do that again.” My teenage heart dropped – I thought – what did I do? What happened? We had fun, no one got hurt or stepped on or fell off ….what??!! My dad was upset, I could see that, but I didn’t know why. He continued, “Your friend never said ‘thank you.’” Ohh……really? Are you sure? Maybe she mumbled it – she’s kind of quiet and shy…is that all?
And it hit me. We took the time to drive out of our way to pick her and horse up so she could partake in an activity she couldn’t otherwise do. It was a simple gesture. And likewise, a simple gesture in return was not given.
Now, you could say my dad was harsh at that time. For whatever reason that really struck a chord with him. But was he wrong to desire a simple “Thanks?”
This one moment in time has always stayed with me and ever since I have made it a point to say “thank you” whenever and wherever I possibly can. It could be spoken, or gifts given. Maybe you think that’s silly – but I truly believe it is the simple gestures that go the furthest.
Maybe the person you say it too will brush it off and say “Oh, it was nothing.” And they could still say that on the outside, but on the inside, they are warmed by your sincere gratitude.
And you may also believe that person knows you are thankful. I’m going to tell you a secret: NO. THEY. DON’T. They can’t read your mind! If you didn’t say the words, write it in a note, blast it in the sky – they don’t think you said it. Period.
Besides, it’s said being thankful and showing gratitude is a key to our happiness, so really, don’t you want to be happier?
-Michelle Scheuermann, Editor