“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”

— G.B. Stern

There are times when we know to show our appreciation to others – Christmas, Various Appreciation Weeks, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, birthdays, etc.

And there are people we know to show appreciation to – parents, spouses, children, relatives, clergy, teachers, soldiers, etc.

But what about the in-between people? The people who continually provide a quality service to you or your family?

And what about the in-between times? Do those same people deliver that service to you just on the holidays? Or every day?

In honor of those in-between people in our lives, I’m going to start a new one-week project which will fit within the scope of my on-going quest to give my time every day and to inspire others to do the same.

For one week I’m going to send a daily note of appreciation to someone who is helping behind the scenes. Someone who may not be one of those that we are supposed to officially acknowledge, or are supposed to appreciate only at certain times. People who fill the roles when we are in-between work & home. Help nurture our children. Between holidays. Between the moments of our busy day. An in-betweener.

On Day 1, I’m sending a card out to one of the nurses at my parent’s care facility. I know how much this person’s help means to my parents, especially my mother who is so sick right now. Knowing that this nurse is so willing to go the extra mile for my parents, helps to reassure me that they will be treated with care and respect. In our family, she’s an in-betweener. At minimum, a person deserving of a small expression of gratitude.

Are there in-between people in your life? People who’s help you rely on, but rarely think to acknowledge. The guy who’s always behind the counter at your coffee shop. The nurse who is always so nice at your child’s pediatrician’s office. The polite owners of that little restaurant down the street that you’ve been going to for so many years. If so, then consider sending a note of appreciation to them at their office.

Don’t have time? Well, maybe you can make time during your busy day.

Some in-between time.

Today’s gift of time … Started a one week project to appreciate the in-between people. Day 1 – Card of appreciation went out to one of the special nurses at my parent’s care facility.