another reason for thankful...

... when I had a conversation with a co-worker today. M. and I always seem to get around to talking about families when we work together. We agree we are very congenial, and if it is at all possible to 'enjoy' slaving away for a paycheck, we can amuse ourselves well enough through the tedium to make it bearable.

She was telling me about a co-worker who 'went off' on a fellow worker who is a really sweet, mostly agreeable guy, but not the sharpest knife in the drawer. There are a couple of young guys who work as baggers, and do 'carry out' for customers. These two are Differently Able'd. I don't know if the term Handicapped is considered politically incorrect, but it is obvious after only the briefest of conversations with these two young men that they do have some ... issues? Generally hard working but often not aware of the finer points of customer interaction. I don't know either of them well, but know most people who work with them are very protective of them, and careful to see that other people show them an extra modicum of consideration.

This older man,also an employee, long retired from full time work, apparently said something really inappropriate to one of these guys who struggles with social situations. I don't know details, or\who would have reported the interchange to mangers, or maybe they were just overheard. But the older man, who can be 'short' with people, was apparently suspended from his part time job to have an opportunity to think over his ill-temper and bad manners.

What I am thankful for is fully functioning, adult children. Who are capable, confident, able to interact, deal with the world, socially aware, considerate of not just equals or co-workers, but also the less fortunate amongst us. Thankful they are independent, able-bodied, well-educated, literate, and just generally pleasant to be around. Civilized except for the occasionally objectionable, highly opinionated bumper sticker.

When people ask about the best part our trip in July, I tell them Just Being. With my Favorite People.