My New Virginia Friend

I've just arrived in Virginia for our regional this weekend, and I had such a delightful experience, I wanted to share it with you.

First, you have to know that in true Shelli style, I got about 15 minutes of rest--not sleep--last night. I always plan on being more prepared and getting to bed earlier the night before I leave out of town, but almost always, I don't get my act quite together, and I end up pulling an all-nighter.

Last night was no exception. I finished my project and my packing and everything, crawled in bed long enough to get warm, and then headed off to the airport this morning quite early. I did get a couple of cat naps on the plane, but not enough to wake me up much, and I landed in Norfolk this evening pretty exhausted.

And then I met Jerry. He was my cab driver, and can I tell you that from the get-go, I knew he was special--he's the friendliest person I've met in a long time! He greeted me like we were best friends, coming right up to me, giving me the biggest smile, and grabbing my luggage. He asked a few questions, including when I was returning. When he found out I was leaving the hotel at 4 a.m. on Sunday morning to catch an early-morning return flight home, he got on the phone and found a cab driver friend to pick me up because he couldn't do it himself.

We chatted for a few minutes, and then we sat in comfortable silence, listening to the quiet gospel music he had playing (the top-10 countdown on Star 94.1, by the way) until we got to the hotel.

And being comfortable in a cab isn't usually the case for me. I don't typically enjoy cab rides--you're in a strange city, dependent on a strange person to get you somewhere you've likely never been before. There's just nothing about it that's very comfortable! But Jerry put me at ease, and I enjoyed my time with him immensely. It didn't take any extra time (he was driving me anyway), but his smile, genuine concern, and real effort to serve and help made such a difference!

I don't know if his day was any better after he'd met me, but I can tell you my day was certainly better! The brief moments I spent with him refreshed me like a long nap never could.

Comments

[Sherri Mallory]

OH MY WORD!!! You're really in VA!! You're going to be at Regionals!!! I am SO excited and I really hope I get to meet you!! Jerry was just showing you some Southern Hospitality... Welcome to VA and the South!! :) And I can ID with your "night before" experience...it's 4:00 am and I need to get up at 6:00 am to get ready to leave for Regionals, and I haven't even gone to bed yet! LOL! Hoping and praying I'll meet you a little later today... Hugs, Sherri

[Kristy Young]

Hi Shelli,
I had my very first regional event today in Melbourne Australia, and wow its was so great loved it all, the girls from the american office were so clever and lovely. Thanks for a great day, wish you could have been there.
Kristy

[Beverly aka beestamper]

Well Honey! WELCOME TO VIRGINIA!!!! I am a true-blue Virginia, born and raised here! Sorry to say that I am not able to attend Regionals this year, but my fellow Demos (look for the pink Little Debbie shirts) will be there. I am SO pleased that you had such a nice welcome to our state from Jerry. And what an important reminder... it doesn't cost us anything to be genuine, friendly, or to offer someone a smile!
So, Welcome to Virginia Shelly! Wish I was there to see/meet you in person!
All the best!

[brenda b]

What a wonderful story - and great testiment that there are beautiful people out there in the world and God knows just when to send them!
Shelli - I really appreciate your blog and so look forward to your posts. Thanks for sharing your wonderful stories - you inspire me.

[Robyn]

It's amazing how something as simple as a great cab ride / driver can make or break us! Congrats on having a guy like Jerry! Have fun out there; can't wait to read your next post!!!

[Crystal]

What a wonderful story! It is so refreshing to know that there really are nice people out there. If we all tried to make one other person's day, life would be great.

[Kate Cecil]

Isn't it amazing how one person's personal"sunshine" can reflect upon us and brighten our way. I'm sure Shelli that the Karma you share with so many of us made it's way back to you. Travel safe home after Regionals.

[Elissa Gilbert]

You know, Shelli, I absolutely believe that cab driver's day was better having met and chatted with you, and come on, you are one of the warmest and friendliest people I have ever met (well, sort of met! Anaheim regionals 2/08, I got my picture taken with you, whoohoo!) so I am sure you tend to bring that out in people, too. I'm glad you had such a nice experience.

[Katy Clark]

It's pretty amazing when we see someone who has so obiously placed his joy and the source for his strength in the Lord. Jerry doesn't need man's approval to feel valuable. Glad he could bless you!!

[Barbara Jean Smith]

I love moments like these. It really makes you feel like you have been given a hug from our Father, doesn't it? I love how He knows what we need and how to bless our lives in such unexpected ways. Hope you have a blessed stay in Virginia.

[Susan Christian]

For all of those nay-sayers in the world out there, this is proof yet again that their are still kind, decent and friendly people all over this country who are that way because they want to be and expect nothing in return! Bravo for Jerry and for the true southern hospitality that still shines brightly!! (Us Texans believe in this principle, too!)
Keep up the great work, Jerry!! He is truly providing a ministry to his clients no matter what their beliefs are...

So glad you enjoyed your cab ride, Shelli! Ever thought about calling his cab company to compliment Jerry on his job? His manager would probably be floored, but quite touched that someone called for something good and not to complain. I love it when I can call and compliment someone who really stood out in doing their job. Especially since my husband and I own our own business and I know that complaints far outweigh compliments. It's good to get those nice calls every once in a while!

Hope you enjoy Virginia - you ladies are in for a real treat! Our regionals in San Antonio was AWESOME!

[Cheryl Wilcox]

Thank you for sharing your story = it's so refreshing to find someone who really cares to go that extra mile for you. Have a great time in Virginia!

[Elizabeth]

That's awesome! I've noticed a certain ease in the air these past few days in general...at the grocery store, in traffic, etc. So good to hear that you were able to enjoy a good experience like this, especially when it could have gone the other way considering your lack of sleep. :) Hope the rest of your trip is just as wonderful!

[Maureen Stivala]

Oh Shelli! As someone said before, its your own returning to you...you do know you can make a demo feel like a million bucks with a kind word, smile and just your presence...so while Jerry made your day, I KNOW he had a good day too!
((()))reen

[Mary Day]

As a southerner myself I miss the hospitality of the south. I'm so glad my home state made a good impression on you. I hope others will learn and maybe incorporate some manners back into life. Maybe there's something about people named Jerry;)

[Sharon Bridwell]

I have a feeling he felt the same way after meeting you. After all, I don't know how you keep your smile on what seems like every minute of every day. Your cheeks have to hurt after awhile..LOL! I'm so glad that he made you feel welcome and comfortable. I hope the VA girls have a great time at regionals, I know we did in San Antonio two weeks ago!
Sharon

[Aimee Foley]

so glad to see you in VA... Regionals was so much fun and so inspiring... I feel ready to start all over.

[Joan Hajek]

Shelli,
It was a wonderful day today at the seminar. Thanks to you, the staff, for another great seminar. You have to be exhausted. You are always so gracious to all of us, always ready with a smile, and a kind word. So is it any wonder that someone would treat you the way you treat others. I cannot wait to do some of the things that were shared with us today. But now have to get to bed......it was over 6 hours to drive home after stopping for dinner. We will be working on the powers that be here in MD to try to get a seminar here.

[Desiree de Monye]

Shelli, thank you so much for spending time sharing yourself on this blog. I love getting a glimpse into your life and I am in awe at how much you do for everyone around you! You are definitely a fabulous role model.
~Desiree

[kim evans]

HI Shelli! Jerry must be the reason you looked so pleasant when you arrived at the hotel in VA Beach. My friends & I were in the lobby when you walked in - and you asked one of the girls (that was carrying a 6-pack of Diet Coke) if all of that was just for "tonight"! We all got a chuckle out of that!!

Thanks for coming to Regionals. I know it's a big effort for you. There were 5 girls in my group - we drove over from W. VA - about 4-5 hours. We were thrilled to see you!!

Thanks so much for all that you do - and for always, always being so pleasant to be around. Jerry was lucky to have you in his cab!! Hope you have a safe flight home to your sweetheart!
Kim

[Sam]

How nice it was to see you Yesterday. I didn't approach, was so awed just to be in the same room and a little shy. For this fairly new Demo, you made me feel I could finish out my first year with a bang and more excited to go to Convention. Thank so Much Y'ALL come back now...ya hear.

[Lou Ann Cruttenden]

Your meeting with Jerry reminded me of a time seven years ago, I was attending a convention with thousands of women. The co-founder of the company made time in her busy schedule to meet and greet those of us attending. I wasn't sure I wanted to stand in line, I was pretty sure there would be the typical "nice to meet you, thank you for coming, maybe some eye contact, an autograph and then I would be moved along, so the next person could be greeted." Much to my surprise, when I approached her, I put my hand out for a handshake, she shook her head no and said, "Oh, Lou Ann, I don't do hand shakes... (I quickly thought to myself...well, aren't you something!)... then she continued to say...."I give hugs". From that moment on, my impression changed. not only about her but how proud I am to be part of this business. That was the day I met Shelli Gardner. I tell my customers that story right after I have shared our statement of the heart. I think both speak volumes. You had no idea what this meant to me that day, but in you being your true self...in this one person, you made a difference. Thank you Shelli.

[Angie Page]

Welcome to the wonderfully friendly South! :c) I have to say that when I read, "...And then I met Jerry..." I held my breath a little & got excited because I thought you meant Jerry Day!! I've been honored to talk with both Jerry & his wife at a couple Conventions - in the airport no less! - and "cab driver" Jerry sounds so much like "our" Jerry to me!

What a wonderful way to start your day and just know that they way you felt after your short cab ride with Jerry is how you make us feel when we get to talk with you at an event! :c)

[sharon field]

Your workshop wow's must have really wowed them, fantastic cards! Love how you have used the designer papers too! Sneak in and post another one some time soon.

[Abra Leah]

This is a wonderful example of how a simple act of kindness can make a spectacular difference to someone's life. Thanks for sharing! :)