My Way Of Saying Thank You

Sometimes words aren’t enough

My eyelids recoiled like spring. Is it time?

While my eyes adjusted to the dark, my fingers searched for my phone.

4:30 am.

Too early for work. The alarm was set for 6 am. I was singing myself lullabies, counting sheep, or counting backward, which added to the exhaustion. Sleep became a not-so-distant lover that walked out on me. It was my first day back at work and not the best day for a breakup. With my eyes closed, I rehearsed the schedule for the day, focusing on the tasks at hand and the allotted time.

Everything will be ok. So what if it’s been a few years. You’ve got this.

As I neared the office, the site of the building drove my already pounding heart into overdrive. There was no turning back now. Fingers trembled while inputting the entry code.

It has to be similar to riding a bike. Once I sit down, everything will return. It would seem that I never left.

As I made my way to my desk, a large and brightly colored gift bag with shiny white paper awaited me. “Welcome Back” was decoratively written with white lettering. Joy replaced my anxiety. I gasped and held it next to my chest.

This gift was even more special because they remembered my love for art and bought me painting supplies. I thanked them verbally. However, I knew I wanted to do something special to thank them in my unique way. I used watercolor paints to create individualized pieces for the three of them.

I first felt compelled to paint a sunflower.

I had no idea how special sunflowers were to one of my teammates. After I handed her the painting, she shared how sunflowers were her best friend’s favorite flowers. She passed away tragically a few years ago. I’m glad I listened to my inner voice and painted a sunflower even when I did not understand why. My other paintings were that of magnolias and daisies. They each represent a unique aspect of their personalities.

After framing all paintings, I surprised them at work. They couldn’t thank me enough with hugs and words expressing their gratitude. It brought me a lot of joy. I was the one giving that day, but their smiling faces were the best gift I could have gotten in return.

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted -Aesop

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