|
Thank Someone Every Day for What They Do
by Joan Endicott
I've heard a few people say they didn't
feel there was much to be thankful for with the economy the way it
is and how things are in general. I guess it's all
relative and depends on our perspective. I believe
that even when life is the most challenging, there's always
something to be thankful for.
There are also always people around us who
could use a word of encouragement and thanks. When I first
learned of Captain Bud Willis, I'd seen him on a segment on the
Today Show. He was sharing what he had learned, in terms of
the importance of thanking others, while serving our country in Vietnam
in 1966.
Captain Bud Willis was a young marine aviator
who flew several missions a day - their role was to fly wounded
soldiers out of the combat area and into the hospital as quickly as
possible. Seeing their pain and suffering, he knew it was
more than he could bear if he was to do his job. "So I learned
to look away so I could do what I needed to do and wouldn't watch
them die."
One day, one particular mission stood out
to Bud above the others. They were transporting a young
marine who had half of his body blown off: missing a leg, an arm,
an ear and an eye. The arm and leg were wrapped in the poncho
and laid next to his soldiers' stretcher in the helicopter.
When they landed at the hospital pad, the crew
transferred the wounded man, along with the poncho with his limbs
in it, to the hospital medical staff. Their job was
done. As they were getting ready to take off, one of the
doctors motioned for the crew chief to come back over.
The pilot saw the crew chief lean down as the
wounded soldier told him something. Then the crew chief
returned to the helicopter.
As they took off, he said to the Captain,
"Do you know what he said to me?" "He said to
tell the pilot, 'Thanks for the ride.'"
Captain Willis said on the way back to the
base, the crew all bawled like babies, rather than combat tested
marines. He was amazed how this young soldier could see past what
he was going through, and have the presence of mind to thank
someone else.
He saw that as a personal message and it
changed him forever. It made him realize how important it was to
look around and tell others "Thank you!" Since then, he
makes a point to do that every day. He said if we will do
that, it will make our lives better. I believe him!
Captain Bud Willis said, "We should
all remember to show gratitude and to thank people every day and to
thank God" Amen!
Joan
Endicott is an internationally known professional speaker, author
and life coach who helps empower individuals and organizations to
grow their teams, increase morale and productivity. For more
information visit: JoanEndicott.com, call (208) 453-8056 or
email:Joan@JoanEndicott.com
|
