But I Am Just .....

Last week, I got a telephone call from someone. Throughout the conversation, he said "I am just a janitor..." over and over. After we hung up, I got a notecard and sent him a friendly, casual handwritten note. I did it so he would hopefully sense I did not perceive him as "JUST" anyone.

I am very sensitive about such situations. My father (deceased) was a brilliant man ~ a creative genius in the eyes of most folks. Dad had "JUST" an eighth grade education. Very few people knew this about Dad .. but he did. It was "JUST" part of the wonderful man he was.

Today - the night cleaning lady, Linda, at my office said she had a couple of bags for me in her car. She said "I am just the cleaning lady and I just want someone to like me." I was taken aback and said "Linda - you know I adore you !" She said "Yeah - I know." (not very convincing) I talk to her almost every night for about a half hour. She asked me to sew something for her for Christmas .. and I did .. and I was glad she asked. Yet she still thinks of herself as "just" the cleaning lady.

I went to Linda's car and got the bags she mentioned to me ... two big plastic bags. I put them in my trunk and glanced in one bag ... clothes.

When I got home - I tossed the bags on my bed and pulled out the clothing - one piece at a time. I was overwhelmed....speechless. The clothes were all my size .. Ralph Lauren, Talbots, Tommy Hilfiger, INC, Bloomingdales, Michael Kors, Jones of NY and brands I never heard of. Silks and linen and gorgeous cottons. THOUSANDS of dollars of clothes. Each piece had either a new dry cleaning tag or the original store tags.

All this clothing - Linda got from a Dr's wife for whom she cleans house. And she thought of me ... knowing I could never ever afford such luxuries.

I can never repay her for this kindness... and regardless what I do for her, I sense Linda will always see herself as "just the cleaning lady" .... but in my heart, as she has always been, Linda is so much more. She is a friend.

Thank you Linda .... you are truly a special soul. Thank you friend.