Another day in Paradise...

I have the pleasure of working in paradise.  Literally.  However, you wouldn't know it with the stories I live through to tell.  But every once in a while, I actually have a resident worth talking about.

Friday was a day like none other.  I was busy to the brim, had employee issues, had resident issues, and to top it all off, the police department showed up to give someone a bit of bad news.

Just when I was about to award Friday with the Worst Day Ever, things turned around enough to end the day on a positive note. 

I always go above and beyond when giving customer service.  I expect amazing service, so therefore, I naturally have learned to give it in return.  One of my annual snowbird residents was getting ready to head back north for the summer and needed assistance with closing out her accounts.  Her husband had already fled the coup a day early and she was left to handle all of the "business".  Men.  So typical.  In order to make the process run smooth for her, I ensured to find out the balance due on her account, helped her complete the security deposit return forms, and even took care of dealing with the Accounting office on her behalf.  All in a day's work, right?  Well, I took it one step further.  After asking about her family and her plans on returning for later this year, she advised that her daughter just recently got engaged.  I ensured to send her back home with a brochure and all of the details for planning a wedding at our club.  Tickled at the thought, she turned and smiled, picking up her belongings.

As I walked her out of my office, she turned and slipped a little something into my hand.  As she left, I thanked her profusely for this unknown gift and wished her safe travels back home.

I looked at the bill later on in the privacy of my own car, and teared as I noticed the denomination.  $100 for doing what I do every day.  I was just speechless that I made that kind of an impact on another person.

I have to be honest.  It's days like this that make my job so worthwhile.  And not because of the $100, but because of the fact that someone thought my assistance was worth it.