If you think something positive... say it

Hello, beautiful boy. Today I want to share with you an attitude that I adopted about 20 years ago (I even wrote an article about this attitude that was published in the Tulsa Tribune newspaper... I'll send you a copy if I can find it). Although this is a simple concept, it does require action/effort.
Most people notice positive things in others: a good job, a pretty new hair style, a beautiful dress, etc. Unfortunately, the thought remains just a thought unless it is spoken, "Mommy, thank you for making these brownies, they are the BEST you've ever made!" "Bobby, that's a really cool t-shirt your Dad got you on vacation."
"John, I want to tell your supervisor how helpful you have been in solving my computer problem... may I have his email address so I can write him about the good job you did for me?"
As an example, last week I sent this email:

Re: John Sheppard
AppleCare Help Desk Agent

Dear Mr Shaner,

I wanted to email you about the outstanding service provided to me by your AppleCare Help Desk Agent John Sheppard. I had been dealing with a nightmare and Mr Sheppard skillfully worked with me until the problems were resolved over a period of days. He is a credit to Apple and to your department. The service I received has made me a life-long Apple customer/loyalist.

Please make a note of this email in his personnel folder.

Sincerely,
Davis Mauldin
AppleCare Agreement # 534027443501088
Yes, it took a little time, but I'd bet it made Mr Sheppard's day!

And just this morning I wrote Overstock.com because of the outstanding quality of their mattress pad (they had asked me to comment):

It's nothing short of heaven
I have a theory. Like you, Bill Gates and the Queen of England only have 24 hours in their day. Like you, they spend approximately 8 hours of that 24 in bed. 8 hours is a full one third of one's life. All you have to do to duplicate the sleeping environment of the richest man in the world - or royalty - is to buy the most comfortable mattress - and in the case of this plush mattress pad - the most luxurious mattress cover you can afford. This mattress pad on top of my 10" memory foam mattress is nothing short of heaven. I highly recommend it... especially at the Overstock.com discounted price. Now I am rested and can work on the other 16 hours of my day.

Yes, it takes a little effort to write the note or tell someone they did a good job or that they look particularly nice today but it brightens everyone's day if you do.
Just remember, if you think a positive thought, Ethan, say it!
I love you, baby boy,
Granddaddy
PS. Call me sometime 931-598-9160