Category: gratitude

Posted in gratitude

They gave him a plaque.

Posted on by William Douthwaite

The thought was nice. They wanted to show their appreciation for nearly two decades of faithful volunteer service.

So they gave him a plaque.

Who came up with the idea of giving a plaque? The history of plaques is interesting. They date back to the fourteenth century to commemorate important people who served the Benin empire (modern day Nigeria). Memorial plaques were set in church walls and tombs in the Middle ages. Modern day plaques often mark places of historical events and remember those who died in military service. Your name might appear on an “employee of the month” plaque. Or as of your class in high school.

Chances are you’ve received a plaque for an accomplishment, for perfect attendance, volunteer service, or a generous donation. Did you hang yours on a wall? I’ve been in offices where plaques and framed certificates covered the walls. But I’ve also seen plaques piled in boxes along with old trophies at a yard sale.

I received a plaque for being a board member of a service organization in New England. I didn’t do much more than attend some meetings. But this thank you plaque was affixed to a wooden framed clock that sat on my bookshelf for many years. I positioned it so I could glance at it during meetings in my office rather than rudely looking at my watch. I appreciated that plaque.

My daughter received a plaque for a summer internship at a small concert venue where she went above and beyond expectations. On the back of the plaque was a lifetime admission ticket. Now that’s a great plaque!

I guess I’m not a huge fan of plaques. A note with a bottle of something or a gift card can express gratitude, too.

Posted in grandfather, grandparenting, gratitude

The blessing of overnight grandchildren

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Edson Saldaña on Unsplash

“We have the girls Friday night.”

The “girls” are three granddaughters, ages five, three, and one. We’ve had the older two for a sleepover before. This is the first time for all three.

But we raised three children. Along with three dogs. Come on, how hard could it be? We’ve got bunk beds. We’ve got a port-a-crib for the little one. Tons of toys. And snacks. Oh, boy, do we have snacks! Three girls? Overnight? Bring it!

We met at our usual rendezvous spot, a Dunkin’ parking lot half-way between our homes. The handoff included a double-wide stroller, a backpack full of clothes, and essential stuffed animals.

So far, so good.

By the way, we also have some dogs. One big dog, a five month old Great Dane and a smaller dog, a West Highland white terrier. The girls are used to a big Florida brown dog at home. But they aren’t used to ours, a Great Dane puppy and a overly-friendly West Highland white terrier. This is going to be a challenge.

The older two immediately got to work on pretend food, magnetic dress up dolls, and a basket full of baby toys. For some reason, older kids are still fascinated by plastic donuts, rattles, and small stuffed animals. Number three? Her scream was pretty clear: “How about some food?”

After some back yard swinging, it was time for supper. Unicorn-shaped Kraft macaroni and cheese, sliced strawberries, and a fewraspberries kept everyone happy. Unlike the grandsons, there were no desperate pleas for post-supper popcorn. After brushing teeth, we read a few stories, and the three were off to bed. They all must have been tired, because I didn’t hear a peep from any of them.

I got up early Saturday morning to feed and walk the dogs as quietly as I could. I was amazed: no one woke up until about 7 am. Impressive.

“What do you want for breakfast?” All three agreed on pancakes. I cooked up a batch and each girl ate three drizzled with syrup. The one-year-old also ate a breakfast bar, a handful of Rice Krispies, and raspberries. The dogs did their job well, eating everything that fell to the floor.

Somehow, we got out the door by ten and headed to the Jacksonville zoo before we safely delivered them to their parents in the afternoon.

In the past few years, I’ve met couples who had no children. Which means no grandchildren. They would never experience a weekend like this. I’m thankful that we do. What a gift to hear the laughter ands screams, the requests and demands, and the prayers and the tears of these little ones.

Posted in gratitude

Thank you for what you do

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Tatiana Rodriguez on Unsplash

After the late worship service last Sunday, one of our members who shook my hand said, “I just want to thank you for what you do.” At that moment I was losing my voice and I said as best I could, “You’re welcome.” He continued, “You’re here week after week and you always lay out the message clearly. I appreciate that.”

That was a powerful moment. Words of thanks that only take a few seconds to speak are potent. I know that, but I also need to be reminded. One can never say, “Thanks,” too often. And one ought never underestimate the difference those words make.

A simple “thank you” acknowledges a person, validates their actions, elevates them and expresses your feelings towards them. Your value and theirs increases with words of appreciation.

Here’s a great question to ask yourself each morning: “Who can I thank today?” A spouse, a barista, a teacher, a child or a contractor? How will your word of thanks make a difference?