It all started with a breakfast burrito. If you just let life hit you, so much can happen; we’re all a fraction of a second away from something great happening, or just something good, however insignificant it may seem. Something went incredibly right when I woke up this morning to sunshine and blue skies, and just exploded from there. My oldest daughter, Nicki, is in town, heading to a Cubs game today with my wife Natalie. Not only did I get to start my day seeing Nicki, I’m glad for the chance for the two of them to spend the day together, and for Natalie getting some much needed time away from regular life, enjoying this day, perfect for a Cubs game.
The great day continued while taking my son Trevor to school, joking that I will show up after school to pick him up on the ValpoLife scooter, which, as a freshmen, would be the ultimate embarrassment, but is all in good humor. Into the office afterwards, speaking on The Morning Show in the regular Friday segment, sharing the excitement with WVLP about their Hog Roast fundraiser this evening, the good continues to spread.
The day is too nice to stay inside, so I took the Good News truck to get washed at Family Express, supporting local business that works hard to better the economy of this community. A guy next me to turns to me and asks “What’s not to like on a morning like this?” Hit up McDonald’s afterwards for a great breakfast, interacted with some incredibly friendly people, the lady at the drive-thru window and people leaving the restaurant, who took the time to say hi.
Headed to Walmart next, to buy beer, donuts, and Dr. Pepper for the ValpoLife crew, because what’s not to like about beer, donuts, and Dr. Pepper, and had a positive experience in the check-out line. Maggie Kriser, the lady behind the counter, replies to my “How are you doing” with “Absolutely fantastic,” and proceeds to talk about how she’s only working a 5 hour shift, she has a great 3 day weekend ahead of her, it’s Mother’s Day weekend and she’s thankful that I’m here. “Me?” I ask. She goes on to gush about how thankful she is for the customers, that she’s grateful she has a job, has something to do. Behind me in line, Nancy Sellers inquires about ValpoLife’s reach, wanting to know if her pastor can contribute his sermon, excited that our reach is open to the Wanatah area. They were both given “How Do You Do Life” cards, to remind them that its so easy to connect with good news and they can contribute as well. One lady happy about life, one happy about connecting; the good continues.
Unloading my purchases at the car, I notice Nancy is parked across the way from me. A Griegers logo graces the back of her vehicle, a ValpoLife supporter that has promoted us from the very beginning. Rather than waving as I drive away, like I normally would, I stop and thank her for making my day a little sunnier. She goes on to talk about her husband losing his job and going through some dark days together but deciding to work together and put it in the hands of God and he has provided. Her husband is now doing custodial work for the schools and is happier than he was at his past job. “It’s all about enjoying life,” she states, “My pastor always told me if you just put yourself out a little, you’ll always get something in return.”
Coming back to the office, there’s our Operations Manager Brett coming out to help me carry in beer that we’ll enjoy together as a company, Community Editor Karin carrying in a musical instrument, which she loves, and local musician and all around nice guy Daniel Doss talking with Karin about his latest gig in Tennessee, joking about the glamorous life of a musician and playing on our front lawn. Today, every one of those interactions reminded me why I do what I do. What’s not to like about life when you start your day with family, people you work with, nice strangers you come across as you run errands. And it all started with a breakfast burrito.