If You're Green You'll Grow, If You're Ripe You'll Rot...

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We all have experiences that affect us in many different ways. Some very good, and others very challenging, but both have their place and both have an impact that we can learn from. I wanted to share an interaction I experienced earlier this summer that left me with a very deep and positive impression that there are still so many good people in the world. And hopefully, it will influence you to do something nice for someone else!

It was a Saturday morning, my son and I were at Tim Hortons in line for coffee and some breakfast. My son Nathan is autistic and he loves his coffee and breakfast sandwiches from Timmies! He has limited speech and usually repeats what others say and when he knows coffee and breakfast is on the way he is super excited! Ahead of us were two ladies waiting in line, one turned around and said to Nathan, "what's your name" and Nathan repeated, "what's your name", with a big smile and a laugh. I mentioned to the lady about Nathan being autistic and how he loves his coffee and that started the conversation flowing. The line ahead was big, and the wait was long, so this was a perfect time for us to chat and get to know one another.

When the time came for the two ladies to place their orders, the one lady turned around and said, “You and Nathan go ahead of us and I would like to buy. No limit, you let Nathan get whatever he desires”. I was dumbfounded, I had just met this person in line, and we had chatted for a short time period. Of course, I said no we couldn't accept this, and we truly appreciated the offer.

Then she said words I will never forget, "I can tell that you are a loving father and a great person and Nathan is a very special boy who has brought so much joy into your life. I really want to do this, so please let me". I was speechless, and emotional, and graciously accepted the offer.

This experience made me think about people who care and still see the importance of being grateful and doing nice things for others. But it also made me realize that you get back in return what you give out.

First impressions, building relationships, taking the time to have a meaningful conversation with strangers all play such an important part in this chaotic, crazy world we live in. I hope this inspires you to do something nice for someone else. I also hope it makes you think about the energy you give out every day and if that energy is leaving behind a positive impact on others. It's your choice on the impression you choose to leave.

If you’re green you'll grow, if you're ripe you'll rot. Never ever stop learning, growing or giving. Oh yeah, the breakfast order came to a whopping $26.00! Nathan fully understood the lady when she said, “No limit, you let Nathan get whatever he desires".