OPENING DOORS

By Dan Miller
January 22, 2008

I got an email from a woman named Janet, thanking me for opening a door for her many years ago.
At first glance, I figured she was referring to some career assistance or advice I might have offered.... but quickly realized she was talking about, literally, opening a door for her.

Truthfully I don’t recall Janet, or opening the door.
According to her email, it happened in 1974.

She said she’d just finished walking two miles to her job at Morrison’s Cafeteria in 100 Oaks Shopping Center.
Apparently, I was entering the cafeteria at the same moment she arrived, and I simply held the door open for her.

Wow!… 34 years ago, and she still remembers that I held the door for her.

It's strange, but after reading her email, it actually popped into my mind how -- when I was a college student working part time as a film editor at a TV station in Georgia -- the general manager, John Radeck, once held the door open for me as I hurried across the parking lot, hoping he wouldn't get impatient waiting for me.
Such a little incident, but it certainly registered with me at the time.

Isn’t that astounding that I remember that?

And here's another one.
I clearly recall one day while I was attending Augusta College, I walked out the door of the class building into a pouring rain.
Immediately, an attractive young lady (a fellow student) told me I could walk under her umbrella with her to the parking lot. She escorted me right to my car.
I never knew her name, and don’t think I ever even saw her again on campus, but I’ve never forgotten her gesture.
(Of course, that might have something to do with the fact that she was a pretty girl)

Anyhow, after that email from Janet, I also reflected on the old Morrison’s Cafeteria -- and how they used to have a pretty good salisbury steak.

Isn't it fascinating how little acts of courtesy -- extended or received -- can echo down through the years.

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