Affirmation Cards (and their origin)

On a scorching day last August, I trekked to a crowded WalMart. I sought refuge at a self-checkout, only to discover that each scan of my merchandise was being carefully observed by a quiet girl of about 11 years and very modest means. While I found this behavior rather odd, I will not forget what followed it.

As it came time to swipe my card for payment, this special youngster discreetly turned away, to give me privacy as I entered my PIN number on the payment pad. At first I thought she was returning to her mother, but as she heard me shuffling my bags back into my cart, she turned back toward me, remaining nearby. She noticed I had neglected to remove my receipt and politely pointed it out, so I would not forget. I was so impressed by her sensitivity and respect.

I thought about that special young lady all the way to my car. When I reached it, I looked up to see her family parked before me. Dad had waited with car doors open as their air-conditioning wasn’t working. I approached to tell them that their daughter impressed me with her character and that they were doing an awesome job as parents. I wish I could convey the look on that young lady’s face and the glow of pride from Mom and Dad. Right then, I wished I had something to give to mark the moment, as someone else had done for me, over 40 years earlier.

At that time, my parents had been given scholarships for us to attend the local Catholic school in Millington, Tennessee. I was a third grader, in Sister Martin Maria’s class. Home life was very difficult for our large family. I struggled with my self-image. We were the charity family, and I coped by trying to be invisible to others around me.

One particular day in the lunchroom, I notice that my tablemates had left their garbage. I picked it up, along with my own, and wiped the table. As I was leaving, the custodian called me over. He pulled from his pocket a holy card and handed it to me. He said that he had noticed how I was always looking to quietly help. He told me I was a special person and that serving others was a noble thing to do.

That moment changed my life. In the days and years to come, when my family life became more difficult and ultimately fell apart, I never forgot what that janitor gave me. I would hide in my closet clinging to that card and his words. Through my teen and young adult years, it was this affirmation that helped me find strength for right choices. Despite my private pain, I found comfort and hope in that message. Someone believed I was special and worth noticing.

A timely word of affirmation can change the course of a life. It did mine! This holiday season, when struggling to find that perfect gift, consider giving a priceless word of affirmation and encouragement. You never know whose life you are touching. To that young lady I met in WalMart, thank you for reminding me of just how special this generation is, and the nobility that lies within our young people. The Honorable Character Affirmation Cards are for you!