The effects we make on people's lives

So I work in a building in downtown Manhattan. Outside the back entrance, where I leave from, there is a man who works for Fed ex and manages a mini bus depot out there. I see him almost every day and say "hi" or "have a good night/weekend". I am one of those few New Yorkers who smile and say hi to the people I see often.

We never were introduced. We don't chat about anything more than the weather while I walk. I don't know his name, age (he seems in his late 40's early 50's). I don't know anything about him other than what I can see.

So for a few days ago he says to me," I haven't seen you in a few days, have you been away?" (I haven't). But its so funny that this man I never met, who doesn't know my name noticed I he didn't see me and wondered where I was.

its just funny.

Message edited 2/29/2008 10:21:36 AM.

Re: The effects we make on people's lives

I love this kind of stuff

New York is the best city in the world

Re: The effects we make on people's lives

The same thing happens with me & this woman at the bus stop. When we don't see each other for a few days, we want to know why.

Re: The effects we make on people's lives

Yes. I actually used to work for FedEx...and the dept I worked at we always wondered if something happened or whatever if someone didn't show up. The people i'm talking about come in at the same time everyday with the same things going to the same place. When you don't see them for a day or 2 it makes you wonder.

The weather is always good to spark a convo :)

Re: The effects we make on people's lives

I've had that happen to me too.

I went out on maternity leave right after 9/11. When I came back to work, I had several strangers say "I was so worried about you!"

Definitely nice to realize strangers care.

Re: The effects we make on people's lives

When I worked in Manhattan there was this homeless man who used to sit at the bottom of the escalator to my subway.

I ALWAYS gave him what little change I had.. Usually people just ignored him..

Eventually he recognized me and always said good morning or good evening to me.

Eventually I would stop to have a small coversation with him before heading to the subway.

Eventually I brought him some coats and blankets my family was throwing out.

So I appreciate the little kind gestures of strangers...

but then the guy followed me home one night... hahah.

Though, I always appreciate the kindness of strangers. Even when it's a random 'enjoy your day'

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Message edited 2/29/2008 10:32:02 AM.

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Re: The effects we make on people's lives

That's exactly what makes the world go around instead of falling to chaotic pieces. It's like my sweet little train conductor who always gave me a nice compliment every week. Unfortunately, they moved him

Re: The effects we make on people's lives

I think that's pretty sweet.

It also serves as a good reminder, if that is the impact we have on someone of that nature what kind of impact are we having on people we interact with even more!

Re: The effects we make on people's lives

definitely. When I was an intern the year and a half I was there I was constantly told what kind of impact I made on the clients that came to the site, esp. my last day to see people getting teary that I was leaving made me feel really good that I was able to help and be there for so many.

In the same token I really felt that impacted my life too. being there was a real eye opener to the world we live in. A lot of the clients were homeless/living in shelters, lost their children due to addictions, mental and physical disabilities, etc. Makes you appreciate life and what you have even more because even when you feel down theres always someone who has it worse than you, but they keep going and we will too.

Message edited 2/29/2008 10:46:31 AM.