Whistling Mallory

Last night after dinner when I got to the car, I looked down and there was a $20 bill on the ground. That’s the first time I’ve ever found money like that. I thought it was perfect because I’m on my way to the Windy City to celebrate my birthday and I figured it could buy me a couple of cocktails. 

Until I got to the airport in Charlotte and I met Mallory the bathroom attendant. 

She was welcoming all the travelers and directing them to free stalls. She was wiping and tidying and whistling and singing. Yes, while she was cleaning bathrooms. (Her voice actually sounded exactly like Queen Latifah. Pretty cool.) As I was in my stall listening to this woman whistle and humm and bop around cleaning I thought; YES! I can give her the $20 I found! She’s working her butt off and cleaning bathrooms and actually happy and whistling for god’s sakes!- How many people would actually do that? I can pay it forward and forget a couple of extra cocktails for me, this will be so much better.

So I did just that.

Before I walked out of that bathroom I asked her name, handed her the perfectly folded $20 bill I had found the night before, thanked her, told her to have a great day and I appreciated her help. It was friggin fabulous. It honestly felt like one of the greatest things I have ever done and totally made my day. It’s amazing how much more you really do get out of giving that receiving.

Dear Mallory,

I know it wasn’t much, but I hope you used that tiny little tip and got something nice for yourself. You sure deserve it. People like you make me appreciate my life even more than I already do. Thank you thank you thank you for making my day!