Lesson from a Rainy Day

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Posted by: " * Vinay * " vinayspandey

Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:42 pm (PDT)

- Swaym's Presentation -

 

- Story With Moral - Worth Reading -

 

Lesson from a Rainy Day = Story by: Grace

 

August 26, 1999 is a day that many New Yorkers would probably like to

forget. However, this New Yorker will always remember that day because

that is the day that I learned what a powerful gift appreciation can

truly be.

 

On August 26, 1999, New York City experienced a torrential downpour.

The relentless rain caused the streets to flood. New York City's

subway system came to a screeching halt as the subway stations were

inundated with water. Unfortunately, this happened during the morning

rush hour.

 

Many people who were going to work were stranded and forced to go

home. Some battled with fellow New Yorkers to hail a cab or to get on

a bus. Still others braved the storm, walking miles to get to work.

 

I happened to be one of people on her way to work that morning. I went

from subway line to subway line only to find that most service had

stopped. After running around like crazy and making my way through

crowds of people, I finally found a subway line that was operating.

Unfortunately, there were so many people waiting to board the subway

that I could not even get down the stairs to the platform. Undaunted

and determined to get to work, I decided to take the train uptown

several stops and then switch back to the downtown train. It was a

hassle, but it paid off. However, the train got more packed at each

stop. People pushed and shoved. I was constantly hit with elbows and

bags. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the train reached

my stop.

 

But the journey was not over yet. I would still have to walk several

blocks to get to my office. The rain had intensified, and no umbrella

was enough to withstand the forces of Mother Nature. When I finally

got to work, I was completely soaked and left a puddle of water

everywhere I sat. I was also exhausted and discouraged from my commute.

 

My coworkers and I spent most of the day drying off. When 5:00 rolled

around, I was ready to go home. I was about to log off my computer

when I received an email from Garth, my Deputy Director. I opened the

email and found the following message:

 

I would like to thank all those associates who made the effort and

eventually reported to work. It is always reassuring, at times like

these, when employees so clearly demonstrate their dedication to their

jobs. Thank you.

 

As you can see, Garth's email was short, but I learned more from that

brief message than I ever did from a textbook. The email taught me

that a few words of appreciation could make a big difference. The

rainstorm and the transit troubles had made me miserable and weary.

But Garth's words immediately invigorated me and put a smile back on

my face.

 

Garth's actions also made me realize that words of appreciation not

only make you feel good but it also motivates and inspires you. After

reading his email, I felt that coming to work that day was an

accomplishment that I should be proud of. Suddenly getting drenched

and the extremely long commute did not seem so bad. In fact, his email

made the whole subway ordeal all worthwhile.

 

Sometimes we are so wrapped up in our lives that we forget the magical

power of appreciation. Garth had been caught in the rain like the rest

of us. He had to tend to his responsibilities. He also had to cope

with the numerous absences in the five areas that he manages. In

addition, he had to take on his boss' responsibilities, as she was

unable to get to work. Yet, he still found time to send an email

thanking his employees for their dedication and the extra effort they

had made to get to work. Garth taught me that I should never be too

busy to show people my appreciation and to acknowledge the positive

things they do. This was the most valuable lesson that anyone could

ever give me. For that, I will always be grateful to Garth.

 

August 26, 1999 may have been one of the darkest days in New York City

history, but it was one of the brightest days in my life thanks to Garth.