Go Ahead….Make My Day!

Day 32 of Photo Inspirations — “Go ahead….make my day!”
Remember that line by Clint Eastwood’s character in “Sudden Impact” — when the robber was about to harm the lady and Clint pointed his revolver at the robber and said those famous words?  Well, I like to think that WE can make someone’s day in a more kinder, thoughtful way!

I was driving back home from Dallas, and often I am completely fixed on getting home as soon as possible, and I only stop when I have to.  I did need to stop and my next opportunity was the Oklahoma Welcome Center.  I’ve never stopped there before, but when I was getting out of my car — I recognized the attention to details about this Center. 

First of all, the Choctaw Nation was a big focus.  I didn’t realize that the name “Oklahoma” is a Choctaw phrase that means “red people”. Today, 39 Native American tribes have their headquarters in Oklahoma.   On this property, it paid tribute to the Choctaw Indian Nation.  

Outside there were two thatched roof structures — describing what their homes and brush arbors (churches) — the places to cool from the summer heat once looked like. 

I saw the flags of  the U.S., of Oklahoma and the Choctaw Indian Nation. 

I saw the Oklahoma State Seal on the grounds and the Choctaw Indian Seal in the Center.

 When I went into the Center, this sweet woman dressed in the Choctaw apparel, shouted out with a cheery voice “Hello and Welcome”.  I right away went to her and I asked  “What makes you want to be here, and being so cheery?  Are you a Choctaw Indian?”  She (Charlotte) said, “No, I’m not a Choctaw Indian.  I’m retired and I need the income.  And I love to do this and welcome people to Oklahoma.  And, besides that, I’m a cancer survivor.  I took my last chemo treatment in November of 2014.  And I just want to celebrate everyday.”  I told her how much she encouraged me and that she would be my photo inspiration for today.  She went on to say that her son had passed away last year and that it’s been very hard for her, his wife and kids.  That was my queue to give her words of hope and life.  I told her “God has a purpose and plan for everything that happens in your life, as well as your son’s wife and kids, and if we pray for it, God will cause those kids to be strong and resilient.  God loves them and their mother and you so much.”   When I was about to tell her good-bye, she said, “You made my day!”  Actually, Charlotte made MY day.

How many times do we keep her eyes on what’s best for us, getting to our destinations and our plans without considering that there may be something for us to learn if we slow down, and there might be someone that needs a kind word along our pathway?  Just maybe, we have been chosen by God to be an answer to their prayers.  Let’s determine to make someone’s day….everyday!