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Last weekend we were on our way back from our second son, Kyle’s, graduation from Ohio University. We had our whole family together at an AirBnB out in the woods in Ohio and had the great fortune to have my mom along for the trip with us. Jordan and Amy brought Mandy up now that her semester at Charleston ended. Henry was able to get off and come with us. We picked up my mom along the way in Buffalo. It was a fun time together, sharing stories about what’s going on in all their lives. It's an awesome feeling as a parent seeing and hearing all the cool things your kids are doing and accomplishing. To see them making their way, contributing to the world and those around them. Being responsible. Making a difference. Reaping some successes for all the hard work they’ve put in. Even hearing of those challenging or hard times, when they learn those valuable life lessons that sometimes are so much more powerful and unforgettable as “hard knocks” than they are as simple words of wisdom. But It was bittersweet too, as we realized that it’s the last time in probably a pretty long time that we’re all likely to be together as a whole family. Kyle’s taking a job in Columbus. Jordan and Amy are loving life down in Blufton, SC. Mandy’s got another year and a half at Charleston. But on to the point of all this. On the way back Mandy had connected with her former club coach, CJ, who was coaching at a volleyball tournament outside Buffalo and he invited her to come help coach and he’d bring her back to Rochester after the tourney. We hesitated adding more time to our trip but eventually gave in and decided since it would be her only chance to coach this spring/summer that we’d take her there. But the surprise came when we dropped her off and I saw the Dad, David, of one of my recent patients, Annie. They have been so grateful for the PT care given. Annie is just the sweetest teenager. She jumped for joy seeing Karen and I there, with a look of surprise and excitement. She hugged us and wanted pictures. She introduced her teammates. Later on even while on the court preparing to start a game, while the team was in a huddle doing pre-game reminders, I saw Annie gaze around for a moment and caught her eye – so I snuck in a “goodbye, good luck” for their game from the sidelines before leaving. She literally stopped their team discussion to let everyone know, “There’s Mike, my therapist” and the whole team, coaches and players alike, stopped what they were doing and in a seemingly prescripted routine all turned to wave hello. It was funny. Crazy. Heartwarming. And humbling. All at the same time. It’s so easy to go on doing what we do each day. Not realizing the impact we have on others. I truly love what I do. It’s a passion. Maybe sometimes even to a fault. And it’s those “out of the blue” random comments and scenarios like this that end up sometimes giving the most encouragement and validation that we really do make a difference. But there’s really much more to this story. An even deeper impact that this awesome family has had. And it extends beyond impacting just me. And it changes lives and it changes hearts. Annie’s dad, David, when introduced to my mom, took that moment to shake her hand and look her in the eye and with a warm smile and heartfelt sincerity thanked her for raising such a good and caring man. Wow! Mic drop. Hallmark card moment for both of us. “Did he really just do that?” He could’ve just said, “Hi” or “Nice to meet you” to my mom. Those would’ve been more typical things to say. Sort of normal and polite small talk. But mostly meaningless right. Superficial. But no...not David. His precious daughter and their family was so impacted by what I considered just a simple act of caring for Annie, trying to be the best PT I could be for her…exactly what I’m supposed to be doing each and every day…that he would think of and be so considerate and kind to thank my mom. I didn’t know what to say. My mom just beamed. She was so proud. How often does a stranger come up to you and tell you what an awesome job you’ve done? I was humbled too…thinking to myself, “How often have I taken the time and been so kind-hearted to have done that for someone else?” All those years and decades of MY MOM pouring into HER kids, into me…teaching, guiding, role modelling, loving, forgiving, demanding, supporting. Staying up late. Driving me wherever I needed to go. Sacrificing the normal creature comforts so we could be in good schools. Showing kindness and welcoming our friends into the house. Always there for me. Always believing in me. She’s seen me develop into a PT who's trying to help people every day. Admirable stuff I guess. She’s seen me marry an awesome lady. (Whew…lucked out on that one!) Seen us grow in our faith journey. Witnessed us raising our kids…seeing her grandkids turn into responsible, respectful, hard-working, fun-loving adults. Proud moments no doubt. Each it’s own “pat on the back” in a way…though not desired by her at all. My mom never looked for accolades or praise. She’s the most self-sacrificing and caring person I know. But I can’t begin to tell you how awesome it was to see my mom’s face when David said that to her. She was already proud of me. She had plenty of her own reasons she already felt that way herself, like any parent does. But to have some stranger come up and thank her for how she raised her son…it’s like a fresh explosion of joy and pride. A unique and unequaled reminder that she was and is a great mom. And then, as we dropped her off and said our goodbyes – she took my hand and looked me in the eyes…“I’m so proud of you!” It was as if she’d been waiting for just that right moment. With a bit of watery eyes and a loving warmth pouring out of her, a gentle reminder with her own, “I’m the winner of the day” smile on her face. David, if you could only have seen that look on her face. The sense of pride. The sense of accomplishment. That little extra bit of validation and acknowledgement that you gave her…nothing she didn’t already feel or know, but you shared that in just such a genuine and kind way, it was hugely powerful for her as a mom, and for me. If you could only have seen her face. It was a truly awesome and rewarding early Mother’s Day. Thanks David for honoring my mom! PS...I don’t share this because I want you to read it and think about how we need your thanks. We do…from time to time, and that’s awesome and appreciated. But what I’m really saying is that David reminded me of how very incredibly powerful it can be to take a moment out of your own day, out of your own valued time to notice those around you who have impacted your life or the life of those you love. To look them in the eyes and shake their hand, or put your arm around them and with every ounce of integrity you have, really appreciate deep down in your bones how highly valued that person has been. Give them those simple but heartfelt words we sometimes say and sometimes hear far too little… “Thank you so much for….” by Mike Napierala, PT, SCS, CSCS, FAFS, NG360