“People…” by rhoing

“People…”

… make the world go ’round!

I had several good photos of plants and insects from a campus garden this morning, but I checked the weekly theme and today’s mail delivery brought today’s subject.

The pictured note is from Gary, the grandfather of Casey, whose hand is in my post from several weeks ago. We “crossed paths” at the butterfly house at the Detroit Zoo last month and Clare & Mom (my wife and her mom) talked to Gary as his granddaughter, Casey, and I followed some Common Blue Morphos. (I never did get a good shot of one’s upper wings.) Clare told him that I would be happy to share photos with him if he would provide an email address. Whoosh! Out came a business card.

To make a long story short, Gary said in an email that he wanted to make a memory book for Casey’s special visit to the zoo with her grandpa, so I ordered several prints of butterfly shots I took along with a couple prints of the shot I took of Gary and Casey together and mailed the bunch of them to Gary. I certainly didn’t expect such a heart-warming, hand-written note in reply, but it made my day! But I digress from the theme.

After Gary’s note arrived, I got to thinking about why I take photographs. Then I thought about why we do a lot of the things we do. Isn’t it usually because of others, or for others or to share with others? It’s so often about “people,” isn’t it?

When I posted the photo of Dr. Greg & Suzanne several days ago, I replied to a couple comments that after my emergency appendectomy 11+ years ago, I had a sense that life is about the journey, not the destinations. It’s also about taking the time to meet fellow passengers on the journey. Gary & Casey were two other “passengers” whose path I was fortunate to cross on a special day at the Detroit Zoo on my “journey.”

One of the things I emphasize to the young people I mentor is never-ever underestimate the power of thank-you notes. Thanks, Gary! Again, your note made my day! I am happy to share my love of photography and butterflies with you and Casey!

A year ago: “With a dash of desperation!”
What a lovely note and beautiful story. So much of what you say is true. I do agree that life is a journey and certainly not a destination. Have you ever read a book called 5 people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albon. So interesting as to who those 5 people would be. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story.
September 8th, 2012  
Love it Thom!
September 8th, 2012  
@tesssa Have read three Mitch Albom books: Tuesdays With Morrie, The Five People You Meet In Heaven and Have A Little Faith. Each is wonderful!

@ruthmouch Thanks very much, Ruth!
September 8th, 2012  
Amazing note and story, plus your philosophy of life. Wonderful example to many people. It's amazing how we can enhance people's life with small details. You made it for Gary and Casey, and now Gary made it for you with his note. Beautiful.
September 8th, 2012  
How nice to receive such an awesome thank you!
September 9th, 2012  
I remember Casey and the butterfly! I can see why this note meant so much to you! I love getting handwritten notes - so much more heartfelt than an e-mail! Since 365, I've been sending lots of handwritten notes. I get some of my favorite photos printed up and put them on notepaper that I buy at Michael's craft store. People really appreciate the notes, especially with a photo that I've taken on it. You could do the same with all your beautiful butterfly photos!
September 9th, 2012  
@sparkleplenty1 Thanks, Joyce! Do you print the photos yourself (at home)? I had no luck when I tried to print photos on photo paper; they had a "Colorform" look in that each color region looked separated from the rest and you thought you could peel off the Colorform piece. I haven't tried card-stock type paper; perhaps I could have better luck with that.
September 9th, 2012  
No, Thom - I've never had good luck printing photos. I always go to a camera specialty shop like Ritz camera to get high quality prints. I buy 5x7 notecards (they come with envelopes). I often makes up groups of 8 notecards, tie a ribbon around them, and give them as gifts. I always get the same response -- "Who would I send these to - they're too beautiful!" I gave some to my principal, and he said the same thing - although he added, "No one I know would be worthy of getting one of these cards!". He got over that fast when I just made up some more for him - now he sends them to everyone. Get some dual-sided tape to attach the photo - it's so easy to do!
September 9th, 2012  
@sparkleplenty1 Oh, you *affix* the photos! You don't print them on the stock. Now I get it; doh! Good idea.
September 9th, 2012  
Such a heartwarming note! That was so nice of you to print some of your photos and send them to Gary! Very thoughtful!
September 9th, 2012  
Awwww what wonderful message. That is so beautiful ;)
September 9th, 2012  
@lyoungs1023 Gary made a couple specific requests (the shot with his granddaughter, butterfly on her hand and whatever I had of the Common Blue Morpho) and then requested a couple of my choosing. It has been a wonderful "encounter"!

@michelleyoung Thanks, Michelle! There's a song that says "If you can give yourself to someone, then you should." I think that means we should be "out there" and be willing to make these human connections...
September 9th, 2012  
Thom, I really do feel that some of us are born that way, we are natural at connecting with others, touching their hearts and minds..
September 9th, 2012  
@michelleyoung I don't feel as though I was born that way. Rather, I think I learned that lesson from (a) my late father-in-law and (b) getting whooped-up-side-the-head with a perforated appendix. So I learned the lesson somewhat late, but at least I got there. Eventually. And even though we have never met face-to-face or even voice-to-voice, some of my 365-friends are definitely among those "life-enriching connections" for me. Like the water-drop queen. :)
September 9th, 2012  
I am smiling Thom, for more than one reason :) You just made me giggle and feel blessed, all within two sentences as well.. :)
September 9th, 2012  
How wonderful it is to be a blessing to someone else.
September 9th, 2012  
What a great story. Something we would all do well to remember.
September 9th, 2012  
Heartwarming, and great sentiments
September 10th, 2012  
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