The Nametag

Nametags.

Wait staff wear nametags.  Cashiers wear nametags.  We put them on our pets.  We stick them to our shirt at an event or conference.

My first one was a silver one, 'VILLAGE INN  Kim'

The next one was this lil' number - 'WOODS' 

Then there was this season - found BONALES while lookin' through memorabilia

How could I forget the time with United Market Street?!  Teaching cooking classes!

Currently, it's 'GET ORGANIZED Kimberly' (ha! Indeed - GET organized, Kimberly...lol)

I found one this week, while cleaning out a nightstand drawer of a client. - 'JUAN'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT  Ellen*' 

In my line of work, I find A L L the things.  This past week, I was packing up an apartment containing the recently deceased, Ellen.  My client is Ellen's daughter, Lois* who is responsible for packing up her mom's apartment.  That's where I come in.   

I found the aforementioned nametag, buried underneath miscellaneous papers.  Instinctively, I knew this was special.  

It's 'just' a nametag, right?  Who would even know?  It's long forgotten...

Let me tell you, when I handed it to my client, Lois, she gasped.

Juan's Mexican Restaurant had closed years ago.  Turns out it had been Ellen's first job; she maintained it for years.

I went on a deep dive of mini-movies and memories in my own brain.

Ellen walking up, greeting her table, 'Hello, my name is Ellen.  I'll be your server tonight.  What can I get you to drink?"  Small talk, banter, getting acquainted for the span of an hour or so.

Those she served over the course of her time at Juan's have long forgotten Ellen.  Ellen, having long forgotten them.  

Lois, however, remembers her mama very much and the joy on Lois' face was well worth it when I handed over that simple, gold, metal name tag.  

Dr. Suess said it best

To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world

Remember this, the next time you see a nametag - engraved, embroidered or written - on a waitress, cashier, or any other type of tag that offers you a name, they mean the world to someone else.  They are a human being, in that moment, that happens to be a human doing...for you.

Y'all...

I remain, Humbled, Buoyed and Blessed 

And always, I invite you to take 10 minutes to

Just Be

The Texas Ginger

Bringing World Peace, One Hug At A Time