Random acts of kindness

A few weeks ago, my father spoke about people on Saipan who make a difference every day, but are hardly recognized for their contributions. He was speaking specifically about the maintenance workers that we see along the roads of our island. The men who mow, and bush cut, and trim, and rake, cleaning our roadsides all day long in the hot sun. When we appreciate the beauty of Saipan’s Beach Road and take a stroll or jog down its beautiful pathway, do we ever stop to say “Thank you!” to the gentlemen responsible for its upkeep?

I thought about this conversation we had two days ago while driving to work while stopped at the Middle Road intersection. It was a scorching hot mid-morning, and the maintenance workers my father spoke about were out in their full battlegear, bush cutting and beating back tall grass and tangan tangan from encroaching onto our roads. I drove right by, and about half way to work, I decided to turn back. I pulled into a small store and picked up a half case of soda and some snacks. I drove right next to a pickup truck parked next to the side of the road and got out to give one of the gentlemen the refreshments.

“What’s this for?” he asked, seemingly puzzled.

“It’s just a small gesture of thanks for all the hard work you guys do every day,” I replied.

We spoke for a few minutes. He told me it was the first time anyone ever thanked him or his crew for the work they do. In fact, he told me that a week earlier, a pickup truck packed with hoodlums drove by him while he was bush cutting and threw a beer can at him and told him to work faster. The punks all laughed as they drove away.

As I left, I shook hands and thanked him again. I don’t think I’ve ever spent a better $8. If that made him smile, and made him and his crew feel appreciated for their efforts in beautifying our islands, then it made all the difference.

I would like to ask everyone to remember the frontline people on our islands. Remember to thank your waitress who stands on her feet all day long and brings you three refills of coffee while you read your morning newspaper; remember to smile and thank the gentleman who is filling your gas tank, even though inside you are cursing the exorbitant price of gas these days; and remember to recognize and thank those who work the frontline that are often subjected to insults rather than praise. Most importantly, remember that it was not the fault of the waiter your cup of coffee was bitter; it was not the fault of the gas attendant that you’re paying $5 a gallon; and it was not the fault of the CUC customer service employee that your last utility bill cost more than a trip to the Bahamas.

In this very dark and depressing economy, small gestures of kindness can make an impact in our community. If we all could remember to do just three small random acts of kindness each day, I believe we could transform our community. We will do more than just revive the Hafa Adai spirit…we will reinvent it!