If I were to ask you what this is in this picture I’m sure you would answer that it is a knife and you would be correct. If I were to ask you what this knife does or represents you would probably say it represents something sharp and it’s used to cut things and you would also be right....
But what you don’t know is that it represents something so much more. Let me tell you a quick story.
A few years back I was new in the car business and didn’t really have it all together. Sure I was improving but some days were certainly better than others. One day I met this sweet older couple(older than me) that wanted to look at Highlanders. I went through my process and even though it was a tough deal I sent them home in a new ride. They loved the vehicle and it was so nice getting to know this sweet couple.
Over the next few years they would come into service and we would visit. They were always together and always doing things together. We always talked about our families and we always seemed to pick right up where we left off.
Well, about 2 1/2 years ago or so I noticed that he seemed to have something wrong with him. I knew he was getting older but he wasn’t super old yet so I wasn’t sure exactly what it was. The symptoms looked familiar but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it but I did recognize that he didn’t remember me or recognize me and seemed somewhat uncomfortable in the surroundings. She ended up telling me that he was suffering from dementia and it was progressively getting worse.
Every time after that when they came in I would visit with them like nothing was wrong but I could always see the hurt in her eyes. I would always comfort her and try and make her feel good.
One day she came in service by herself and asked for me. As I walked in I knew something was wrong. As she started telling me the story I started balling like a baby. Her sweet husband died and she was broken-hearted. She started telling me a story about his last Christmas and how his face lit up when he heard one of his favorite songs about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As she told me the story and showed me a video, taken while he sang it, I totally lost it. She left that day and I felt a little sad but also happy knowing where he was spending his eternity and also knowing what true love should look like.
So, what does this picture of this knife have to do with this story?
Funny you should ask!
Today, she, Mrs Peggy, walked in and asked for me as usual. We hugged as usual and I asked how she was and how well was she able to do Thanksgiving this year. She said she did good because she was surrounded by her family. We had a small chat and then she started reaching in her purse. As she pulled out her hand she started saying that her husband had a favorite knife. At this point I was about to lose it. She pulled out the box and said that he had 2 and said that her husband, Jullian, thought a lot of me and would want me to have it. I of coarse said I couldn’t accept it and she then said “yes you can” and handed it to me. I then said thank you and opened it up.
I was speechless to say the least.
After it was over and we said our goodbyes I started thinking that this is what it’s all about. Building good relationships is what life is about. I can’t say that I have great relationships with most of my customers or family for that matter but today helped me see how important and humbling having good relationships are.
In a time when I’m uncertain about what I want to do and what kind of impact I actually have on people she helped me have hope in people again! Thank you Mrs Peggy for the love and kindness you’ve shown me and others around you. And thank you Mr. Jullian, though I know you can’t hear me, for being the loving man, husband and father that you are and were.
You may not ever read this Mrs Peggy but I want you to know how much this impacted me and helped me through this difficult day!
