John worked at a meat distribution factory. One day, after he had finished with his work schedule, he went into the meat cold room (freezer) to inspect something. In a moment of bad luck, the door closed and he was locked inside with no help in sight. Although he screamed and knocked with all his might, no one could hear him. Most of the workers had already gone and outside the cold room, it was impossible to hear what was going on inside.

Five hours later, whilst John was on the verge of death, the security guard of the factory eventually opened the door and saved him.

John asked the security guard why he had come there as it wasn’t part of his work routine.

His reply: “I’ve been working in this factory for 35 years. Hundreds of workers come in and out every day but you’re one of the few who greets me in the morning and says goodbye every night as you leave. Many treat me as if I am invisible.

So today like every other day, you greeted me in your simple manner “Hello” as you came in, but curiously, I observed I had not heard your “Good bye, See you tomorrow.”

Hence I decided to check around the factory.

You see me. I look forward to your greetings every day because, to you, I am someone. When I did not hear your farewell, I knew something had happened. So I sought and found you!

Moral Lesson:

Be humble, love and respect those around you because you never know who you impact with your smile. Reach out and touch someone. Show them they matter. Make it personal.

Happy World Smile Day!