Show Gratitude

The definition of gratitude is the quality of being thankful or readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness or appreciation. No matter who you are, there will be times in your life in which someone has shown you the gesture of what true humanity is; National Gratitude Day is this week and I want to take the time to say THANK YOU. I’m thankful to so many people that it’s hard to name everyone, but I’m going to try by grouping unbelievable kindness together that I’ve received over the years.

I love pizza! Placing an order over the phone can sometimes be a hassle due to my speech impairment. Although I’ve had years of speech therapy throughout my life, I must admit I still get anxious when ordering because of the fear of not being understood. Thankfully, I no longer feel that way because, Dayton, Ohio locally owned Cassano’s call center provides excellent customer services. Their phone agents are kind and very patient. They don’t rush me and will ask me to repeat if they don’t understand what I’ve said, and it’s all done with kindness. I feel so comfortable with their professionalism, I’m able to order using my debit card because they take time to listen getting each number right. Thank you, Pizza King, for helping me get my pizza fix.

Direct Support Professional’s (DSP) week was the week of September 13^th. For those of you who never had a DSP let me tell you who they are and what they mean to me. A DSP is a person who comes in my home daily to assist me. A DSP’s task can range from cooking, cleaning, passing meds to helping a person out of bed and get dressed.  Most anyone can be a DSP, but to be a good one, you must have patience, good work ethic, and a warm heart. I’ve had many good DSPs in my lifetime. Often, a DSP does not get the credit they deserve. If it wasn’t for them, some with disabilities wouldn’t be able to live full lives. I want to say thank you, for you have had a part in enhancing my independence and for that, I’m grateful.

Regional Transit Authority’s Project Mobility Paratransit has the best drivers. You come to know and form special bonds with them if you ride every day. Some go above and beyond to assist consumers, and most of the time these duties aren’t in their job description, the added customer service is what makes them great. Thanks Project Mobility Paratransit for getting me where I need to go.

If you work, you know, your work family is just like extended family. My Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Family are a great support system that have been in my life for 20 years. Although I strive to be independent, I need help sometimes and they are always there to lend a helping hand. To my awesome co-workers who’ve ever helped me put on my coat, picked something up, assisted with lunch or in the restroom or shared in a conversation, I want to say, Thank You. You are a great group of people whom I’m happy to be a part of.

As you go through your life, don’t forget to show gratitude to those who have shown it to you. Gratitude is a win, win situation. It makes everyone feel good.