The minute I read this WordPress Daily Prompt I knew exactly who I’d be writing about: George. The doorman who works the 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
shift at my apartment building. He is, hands down, one of the nicest, kindest, gentlest men you will ever meet.
And he just so happened to be the first person I saw this morning. Which is the subject of the aforementioned prompt.
George has worked at the building for many, many years. He is a fixture there. Known and loved, not only by the residents, but by every taxi driver, delivery person and visitor who’s ever pulled up at our front door. Seriously. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out, hailed a taxi and, as soon as I’d give the driver my address, he start waxing poetic about George.
“You have the most wonderful doorman”, they gush. “He is so nice. So polite. So kind. So cheerful. Such a warm smile” … and on and on it goes.
Which is one of the reasons why I look forward to Tuesdays. It’s my day to volunteer at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto and I leave early — usually around 7:45 a.m. And George is the first person I see. Which always puts me in a great mood.
There he is, just getting ready to start his day, getting settled at his desk. “Good morning, Fransi”, he says with a huge smile. “How are you, today?” And, as he ushers me out the door, he says, “Take care of yourself, Fransi. Have a wonderful day”. And he gives me a little pat on the arm. That’s how he greets all of us.
No wonder I walked away with a smile on my face.
Can you think of a better way to begin your day?
Neither can I.
Because George is dedicated to helping others. He’s not even aware of what he does, how he does it and how beloved he is. It’s just in his DNA. It’s who he is. And we all live in dread of the day he decides to retire. Because he’s one of those individuals who would be almost impossible to replace.
I really felt for him today, though. It is bitter, bitter cold here. Currently minus 26 celsius with the wind chill. And it will get colder throughout the day. Yikes! And George’s desk is in the vestibule. Every time someone comes in or goes out, he will get a blast of freezing cold air. Not to mention he’ll have to go out in it, every time someone gets in or, gets out of a car.
But he was still smiling this morning.
As soon as I got out of the elevator I saw him, bundled up in a nice, warm coat, and boots, with a cozy scarf wound around his neck. But his head and hands were bare. He’d only been on duty for a couple of minutes and, already, his ears and cheeks were red. His hands were blue with cold. “Don’t you have a hat, George?” I asked with alarm — ready to go upstairs and find something that would work on a man. He giggled and said “Yes, Fransi, I guess I should put it on, ay?”
“Yes, George”, I said. “That would be an excellent idea. And what about gloves, George. It’s freezing out there.” Sheepishly he explained that he has big hands and it’s hard to find gloves that are comfortable. So although he has them, he doesn’t like wearing them. I suggested he might want to make an exception today. He agreed; and as I walked away I saw him tugging them on.
He’s a treasure, our George is. And we have to take care of him.
I wonder how long it was before he took the gloves off.
365 And Counting 
It’s beautiful how people can touch each other. Very nice narrative.
Thanks! Yes, you’re right, it is beautiful. and it doesn’t have to be with grand gestures, either. Sincerity and authenticity is really all it takes.
A nice big hot chocolate would do the trick, to wrap those hands around 🙂
Now that is a brilliant idea! He’ll be gone by the time I get home but I’ll surprise him tomorrow. Merci bien!!
By George, you have a gem there Fransi – few and far between people of his calibre.
Bet he would be totally embarrassed should he know he is now famous in Blogsville.
Chris.
You are right on all counts Chris :). But hopefully he’d be pleased to know he’s appreciated.
I think if I were in his position I’d liked it framed so I could place it on my desk for all and sundry to see, as self praise is no praise this would be my “badge of honour”
Chris.
I thought of that. But we have 24 hour dorrmen here and nice as the others are, I haven’t written about them. Also he is kinda shy.
I agree he should know. I just have to figure out a way to do it that won’t make him or the others uncomfortable or resentful. Pandora’s box.
Ah sure post it to him Fransi suggesting he hang it in a place of prominence in his home?
Chris.
Yes, that might work 🙂
It’s a really underrated job, as a doorman always has to be “on.” Too often, perhaps, we take them for granted. Your George sounds lovely.
He is lovely; and you’re so right. It is an underrated job; and it’s not right.
What a thoughtful post, Fransi. Having such a kind, pleasant person in your life every day is a bonus.
Thanks Patricia. Yes, it sure is. We are very lucky to have him in our lives.
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Thank you for the shout-out:). Much appreciated.
I’m always amazed at those rare few, like your George, who consistently have a smile on their face, a kind word to say and eager to help. I realize it’s his job but he is still a rare breed! You and the other tenants are very lucky to have him. It’s been unusually cold here. We are getting a break today but for just one day. It’s going to be around 29 degrees F. A heat wave compared to how cold it has been. With wind chill factored in most days have been anywhere from 8-12 degrees F and nights falling below zero. Can’t even escape further south as they are waking up to freezing point temperatures. It’s crazy!
Lousy weather everywhere. Bone-chilling cold here. A winter to remember for sure. At least it is sunny here today, but still well below zero. And I have to go out. Brrrrr …
What a blessing to be greeted by George every morning! Enjoyed the read!
Thank you! Our furry family members definitely are a blessing, I agree.