Happily Surprised...

We live in a world where one is constantly expected to be disappointed. Think about it, you go into a store or restaurant and get horribly rude service. Yes, we complain about that person later, but are not truly shocked about this reality. However, when you receive impeccable service you ARE shocked! While this should not be the case, we live in a world of harsh reality, not a world of should-be reality.

Well, I had a shockingly positive experience today. As some of you know, a few weeks ago, I was hit by a deer. I turned my car into the repair shop last Thursday, then went to Mountain Home to see some visiting family members. My car was not supposed to be ready until the end of next week, so I was anticipating a grueling week of juggling schedules so that Mat and I could share a car. Then it happened... The repair shop called me to report that my car was finished and ready to pick up. I had mentioned in passing that the previous repair shop had failed to install my trunk properly from the last accident and I was somewhat dreading taking it back to them, as they were, well, let's just say that incompetent would be a compliment. I had also pleaded with them to not look at the massive amounts of dog hair in the back seat, as I had my dogs with me when the jay-walking deer hit me and had not found the time yet to clean it out. So, over to the repair shop I go, with expectations that my car would be back in one piece, but nothing more than that.

They went over all the repairs, and led me to my pretty car, which looked as good as new again. Then, I realized they had fixed my trunk at no additional charge, which instantly elevated the experience to shockingly pleasant. When I was about to drive away, I realized that my floor mat had been vacuumed, then I started inspecting the rest of the car, not only had they done a top notch job in the repair, but also fixed my trunk, vacuumed up the massive amounts of dog hair and cleaned the inside thoroughly! I was so impressed that I called my insurance company, not to complain, but rather to compliment. While this was just an example of great customer service, it made me feel very special and relieved to have two less chores ahead of me, cleaning out my car and going back to the horrible repair shop from before to throw a Scarlet O'Hara fit in order to get my trunk fixed.

Good news rarely gets reported, but it IS out there, just lurking, waiting to be found....