Early this morning I received a gift. Two strong, courteous, competent and professional young men removed my 30+ year old refrigerator and replaced it with a new energy-efficient one. For free. This program is sponsored by my local power company, Puget Sound Energy. By replacing these old electricity-hogs they will save billions of dollars over the next 10 years by not having to build new plants. No charity here, no income limitations, just good business.
They were brothers, the team that drove in the truck that held 27 refrigerators. Nothing about my property or home is conventional, easy access, but they were undaunted and cheerful, despite the fact that I’m sure my job knocked them off schedule and I apologized and thanked them profusely.
I said, “I should call your mother and tell her what fine young men she raised.” But of course I couldn’t. I said, “What a wonderful job you have to administer this generous program to people. You must get thanked all day.”
Mike said, “No.”
“Huh?” says I. “What’s not to like about a free refrigerator of the right size delivered and your old one taken out? Huh?”
Mike told me that about half of the “customers” complain, like the one yesterday who said, “What? White? I wanted stainless steel.”
Because I couldn’t call his Momma I called his company and told them how wonderful I thought this fraternal duo was. Tomorrow I’ll put it in writing and send it to both his company, which is contracted by PSE, and to PSE.
To lack gratitude for a gift is . . . well . . . ugly.
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How original!!
I totally agree with you when you say “To lack gratitude for a gift is . . . well . . . ugly.” The sad thing is that it’s to common.
My son works in a grocery store and says rude customers are too common, but then there comes one smiling customer who then saves the day. Thank God for people like you <3
Hugs from Iceland
Tina . . . Thank you for your hugs from Iceland! I love them, and some day I hope to collect a few of them in person.