When my two boys were little, I bought a red plate that said, “You are special today.” Whenever one had a skinned knee, or a tough day, or their Little League team won a game, or it was their birthday, dinner was served on the Red Plate. As my family grew with the addition of a husband and his three children, The Red Plate Legacy expanded to include them.
My children are now in their fifties and sixties. Somewhere along the way, I lost track of the Red Plate. I don’t know whether I gave it away, lost it, or it broke. Yesterday my step-daughter emailed me with this photo. The message was titled, “Thinking of you today :)” Here’s what she said, “Tonight we are going to dinner to celebrate Jason’s birthday and afterwards, coming to our house for dessert. I decided to put the brownies on our “You are Special Today” plate. I bought it years ago (or did you give me yours?). I remember birthdays and special occasions when you had your plate.
“When the kids were teenagers, we used it a lot and wrote the occasion on the back with a Sharpie. We haven’t used it in years but I brought it out for today and it made me think of you and the good memories of feeling special at your house.”
An Inexpensive Gift That Delivers Great Value
Such a simple idea, but so nurturing…even powerful. We all need our milestones acknowledged. We all long to be celebrated. Every accomplishment or disappointment needs to be noticed with empathy by someone who cares.
You might serve a meal on the Red Plate. ( I checked. They are still available from many sources including Amazon!) Or it could be a hug, or a word of encouragement, or a note.
I’ve written several blog posts and done a few TV episodes (#3, #4, and #5) about life changes that have happened as a result of encouragement, appreciation, or acknowledgement. They are precious gifts that cost us nothing but a few minutes, a few words, or a gesture at a meaningful time in another’s life…or for no reason at all!
Our History
The first several years of our stepfamily experience were pretty rough, at times. It is so reassuring to me that my step-daughter had some good memories of those years and took a moment to recall them to me. As a result of her taking a minute to write an email and sending me photos, I feel very special!
Who can you remember today with a note, a phone call, a text…or a plate of brownies?
You have my love and support,
