A post here on writing thank you notes a few months ago has drawn a fair amount of attention.

Getting ready for my annual winter holiday the last few days has me thinking again about that topic.

Here’s the thing.

I am fortunate to be able to close for a month every winter (five weeks this year) and still have some clients when I come back. Without them, I would not have a business. And that had me lying awake last night wondering, who all have I forgotten to thank?

What about our family physician, Dr. Bill Halterman?

We met him 24 years ago when, newly relocated to Prescott, one of our little boys became very ill. When we called the ER that night, this wonderful man happened to be on call and told us to meet him in the lobby rather than enter the ER area, so that we wouldn’t be charged for him seeing us. He quickly diagnosed an ear infection, gave us a prescription and told us to call his office for a follow in ten days.

Needless to say, our family has been in his care ever since. Just last week when one of my children was home from college and injured his knee, we went in to see him for a referral to an orthopedist. There was a 6 – 8 week wait for getting in to see a specialist, and we were resigned to that, even though son’s Division I baseball career begins in four weeks. Oh well, we thought, that’s the way it goes.

But, no. Our doctor took a look at my son and went into his office and personally called around to find someone who would see him two days later, on January 2. Without being asked, our doctor did that for our family.

The specialist’s office manager took me aside and made a point of letting me know what our doctor had done, and commented, “You are very lucky. That is a rare and wonderful doctor you have there.” Who does that??? How can I possible convey the gratitude I feel?

For this mom, it just comes back to a small gesture of gratitude: the thank you note, which I wrote just now.

Whatever you believe about their place in your business life, believe me, writing these notes to acknowledge the personal kindnesses you have experienced is a huge gesture. If you just spend one sleepness night thinking about the kindnesses you have failed to acknowledge, the chagrin alone should move you to action.

As you read this, I am taking a roadtrip to launch my holiday. Yes, I am closed, but I am thinking about you, my readers, and you, my clients, with a happy heart for all you have given me.

Thanks, and I will see you soon.

Speaking of this topic, read more here:

Thank You Notes: Do You or Don’t You?