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By Guest Columnist Toby Nix
Because I constantly have writer’s block, I keep a reminder list in the notes section of my phone of possible topic ideas. If something happens to me, or if I think of something that might one day make for a good column, I’ll add it to the list.
Some items have been on the list for years. Some may only stay for a week or two. I don’t even remember what I was thinking when I typed some of them in.
The other day I was scrolling through the list and saw “birthday cake for Found.” I remembered exactly why I wanted to write about that one.
I was at work one evening and realized it was a co-worker’s birthday. She just so happened to be working at the time, so I ran over to the Great American Cookie Company and got her a cake. I went to deliver the cake to her in her division, only to be met by the sight of four or five cakes and a bunch of balloons already on the table.
It speaks volumes as to how we all feel about her that so many people would bring in a cake or balloons for her.
It also speaks volumes as to how poorly we plan things that none of us thought to check with anyone else before buying a cake, but that’s a story for another day.
The takeaway I had from the few moments I got to spend celebrating her birthday that evening is how it truly is better to give than to receive. I’ve heard that saying my whole life, but as a kid, I didn’t buy it. I liked being on the receiving end any time it came to gifts.
But even something as small as a cake, when given to the right person at the right time, can make for an awesome memory. It also made for a great photo we got with me and some of my favorite people. The smile on her face, knowing how loved she is, means a lot.
Not long ago, I wrote a story about how selfless my wife is. That story prompted random people to give her a gift.
It’s awkward to be on the receiving end for some people. Maybe it’s a mixture of age and pride, or maybe it’s just stubbornness. I’m pretty good about making situations more awkward than they need to be anyway.
But when I accepted the gifts in her absence, I understood. What she was given was worth much more than a cookie cake, but I think I understand the feeling behind it. And the smile on her face, knowing how loved she is – in this case by some who have never even met her – means a lot.
Thank you.
Toby Nix is a local writer, guitarist and investigator for the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office. He is the author of two books, “Columns I Wrote” and the newly released “A Book I Wrote.” He can be reached at tobynix@yahoo.com.