Thursday, February 10, 2011

More Than Just Donuts

She brought donuts for all of us at work.  Four big boxes of fresh, Krispy Creme donuts, still warm enough to weaken our resolve. 

The day ticked by, and I meant to thank her for the donuts, but kept forgetting. 
I fogot even after I decided to go ahead and have one.
I fogot after I figured I had spoiled one of my New Year's resolutions, so I might as well have a second.

And then it was too late.
A colleague came and told me that as the donut-giver had walked out the door midday, she said, "Well, today is my last day.  I put my notice in weeks ago, but asked our boss not to say anything."

I never got to say goodbye.  I was out on the floor when she left, probably helping someone find a book for their report. 

Worse, I never did say thanks. 
For the donuts.  For her work.  For being a great coworker with a consistent attitude and a great work ethic.
I'm sure I reasoned that I would have plenty of time when I saw her next.
But that was her last day and I didn't show even a little gratitude for her generosity.

Just another reminder to seize the day-- no seize the moment, because sometimes we don't get a second chance to get it right.

2 comments:

  1. Nice reminder Jodi. Seizing the moment instead of the day reminds me of a quote: "Mothering is done most effectively one minute at a time." Usually, we always say "one day at a time," but I like how you're making us rethink that.

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  2. I always loved the expression: "Carpe Diem"
    But when I looked it up and found out it comes from a bad translation...this is the correct and most accurate in the full sentence:
    'carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero' translates as 'Pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the future'
    Jodi..how approbriate that even the original says to do it right now...there may not be a future time, and do it like you would with ripe fruit..."pluck it" and savor the moment!

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