FLASHBACK 2006

"in my life i've loved them all..."
i used to make these little trips to philadelphia. every trip ended in a stop at one the many local diners. don't ask me which one, because i don't remember the name and they are kind of interchangeable. loud, colorful waitresses with teased hair and a lot of make-up. glass cabinets full of pies with meringue that nearly touches the ceiling. the best coffee in the history of coffee...ever (yes...they DO all have it...i can't explain). the same delicious food (well...with the exception of scrapple! i will never understand that one!!).
i see her on my first trip. a little, frail old lady. wrapped in 2 or 3 blankets. wearing every piece of clothing she owned. shielding herself from the wind along the side of the diner. i was told not to give her any money before i even said anything. i didn't listen. i gave her a hot cup of coffee and a muffin. i slipped her a 5. she was there every time i went. and every time i went she got a hot cup of coffee, a muffin, and a 5. but!! but!! she could have been a drug addict, or an alcoholic, or a lunatic, you say!!!??? maybe. but i saw a person who felt she didn't matter. and i saw her smile and kind eyes when, without saying a word, i told her she did.
FLASH FORWARD today
today is "you matter to me day". it's a day set aside to make sure that the people that matter to you KNOW they matter to you. your parents...your kids...your spouses or significant others...your friends. "awwww...they know they matter to me..." you say. really? are you sure? because if you never tell them (or, better yet, SHOW them) how can they really be sure? and you don't want someone you love to become that woman at the diner, wondering if (s)he ever mattered to anyone.
so today (and everyday, really) give them a call...or take them to lunch...or send them a card or letter. however you choose, let everyone that matters to you KNOW they matter.

a gallery of people that matter:

             

 

                               

 

               

 

             

 

     

 

                      

 

if you would like more information about "you matter to me day" click here