A Beautiful Day…

            It’s obvious this Thursday was a beautiful day; the nice weather was so inviting that not only did I have lunch in my car, do my rehab exercise in the shade of trees, walk the parking lot with Abby with my hand locked in her left arm, escort my patrons out of the library, I even sit on the bench by the entrance doors listening to, talking to, and hearing one of my regulars’ recent life. 

            It’s interesting that different people at the other end of the information counter would bring out different ideas and acts buried inside of me to deal with them. Each case was singular and unique though the outcomes and results shared plenty of similarities, and, of course, some discrepancies as well. The sight of Lady S caused me chasing her at the front gate. Accused of “ignored Mei-Wan,” Lady S defended herself first with a timid smile then she said she did look for me from the moment she stepped in the library. Holding her slender shoulder, I walked her out of the building and sat on the stone bench to talk. People came and went; we quietly seated ourselves on the bench enjoying each other’s company.

The light from behind allowed me to focus on Lady S’s tiny cute face and watch her eyes as I was silently holding her soft hand, listening to and hearing about changes in her life. At the end, before the two of us departed saying our goodbyes, Lady S reinforced her will to be my sponsor and asked me when the next event will be held. Lady S didn’t forget the idea of getting out savoring afternoon tea with me someday when I will be off work. Further, she invited me to go to her new condo so both of us can cook Chinese food and have some lady chats. The invitation came out of blue surprising me, and touched my heart; I felt my inside melting, warm and soft. It’s people, someone like Lady S that glorified my day; it’s a beautiful autumn Thursday indeed!

Kent came in bright blue shirt looking young and energetic. His face was stunningly friendly, the first thing I noticed. “Kent, it’s you! I was thinking of you today.” Yep, it’s Thursday, my usual night for library.” “I know and that’s the reason I was thinking of you. It’s about time!” The interaction was short yet warm and friendly as if two old pals exchanged their pleasantries passing each other in some hallway on a busy day at their workplace. It’s good to know someone like Kent frequents and visits the library and lets the staff know he enjoys and appreciates our services. A genuine smile does the trick; it tells us the library matters that the staff have done a great service to and for the public.

The two little young brothers came with their parents right before the closing hour. The older one saw me and passed me with a shy smile holding his mother’s hand. The little brother came to the desk and said “hello” to me with such a small voice that I stood up to search and look at his cute face. At the sight of me the boy hid his face under the counter. “Hello” “Say ‘Hi’ to the lady.” The father who stood beside the boy urged the boy to look up at me. As if waiting for a delivery that was overdue, the boy finally mustered his courage, facing me and shyly said “hi” to me. Such a boyish and childlike encounter always earned a smile of mine; the children remind me of my two beautiful boys and the time I have spent with them as they are growing up. Children and their innocence are gifts given by the Maker telling us there are really angels around us to cheer us up, to appreciate every passing day. Everyday is a good day.  It’s fair that each and every one of us has twenty-four hours to enjoy life, enjoy being ourselves.

Hadn’t I spotted the lady in line as I walked back to the staff area she might have gone home without her reserve, a book I placed held and had it delivered overnight by the help of Lynette, my branch manager. She came without the knowledge that the book she needed Wednesday evening was on the shelf ready for her to pick up, check out, and take home. Holding the book I shook my head signaling my disapproval as I approached her. She smiled and apologized as if she was caught guilty of mischief. Ha. Then I asked her to wait: “There is someone you have to meet.” Lynette came out and gave the lady a warm hug as the two of us met each other.

The picture of the two hugging and shouldering made my eyes wet and my heart full. It’s a team work at its best: we served the purpose of the public library. Going extra mile is not an option; it’s a must and work standard for my personal growth and professional goal. The logic is: if I am not satisfied with myself and with the results at hand then how I could let the other person walk out my building. My head wouldn’t stop racing until I find the solutions. My heart wouldn’t rest until the sense of achievement replaces the hunger for fulfillment and answers. The call for excellence pushes me allowing me to aim higher and go beyond.

Thanks to my dear patrons. Their visits tell me the importance of the public library. Their smiles get rid of the exhaust I take home everyday. And it’s their kind words, body languages and gestures take away my heart. And their trust is the hand and power helping me to overcome any obstacles blocking the road to success and opportunities for greatness and happiness.

 If there is a song playing in my heart it might be “The glory of the Public Library.” Guess who composes the beautiful lyrics? People: the patrons, the staff, and the users.