I was rummaging through my laptop bag the other day and found a little pull tab with a number 16. The tab had been laminated into a two by three card. For months I wondered where that little memento had disappeared. It brought back some memories and caused me to pause and reflect.
Sixteen by the Numbers
- Sixteen was the number on the back of my baseball uniform.
- Super Bowl winning quarterbacks Joe Montana, Ken Stabler and Len Dawson also wore 16.
- A few songs come to mind with the number 16. Sixteen Candles, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, You’re 16, Your Beautiful, and Your Mine.
- In numerology, 16 represents a person with introspection, intuitiveness, wisdom, independence and values family.
- A person born on the 16th is realistic, happy and talented in education, analytical thinking and the arts.
- The number 16 is also the symbol of determination and growth.
- I also read 16 is symbolic of love and loving.
Having shared those tidbits of trivia, so why does 16 put a twinkle in my eye? It makes me smile because I recall the day I used the pull tab machine and the number 16 was revealed.
The Story of 16
I was waiting at the local IRS office to hand over official tax papers from my late mother-in-law. It was my second trip to the office that day. I had to retrieve some necessary documents, so I raced home to get them and return before the office closed. The round-trip was completed with plenty of time to spare.
My jog from the parking lot to the front door made me slightly out of breath. I was pleased no one else was in the room and immediately made my way to the counter. The attendant behind the counter didn’t raise their head. I waited a few seconds then said, “I’m back!”
Yet still no acknowledgement from the IRS clerk. After a few more seconds the person looked up and said, “You need to take a number.” I looked around the room and reassured myself I was alone. Then I scanned the room for the “take a number” machine. I walked to it, pulled the tab and found my number. Sixteen. Then I waited.
Several minutes passed. Of course it seemed like hours. I was beginning to think the office would close before I was called to the clerk. To my good fortune my patience was rewarded when I heard “sixteen” bellowed from behind the manila Formica counter.
“That’s me!” I mockingly replied. No smile appeared on the face of the IRS employee. This actually lifted my spirits. It was now a challenge I wouldn’t let pass.
“Remember me? I’m the guy who was here about 20 minutes ago. You sent me back home to get additional documentation. I have it right here.”
Without a word, an outstretched hand came my way. I extended the papers and stepped back. After a few glances up, down and through the stack of tax forms the person looked up. “This is what I need.” Those were the only four words of feedback I received.
“Terrific! I replied. “It’s all yours. “Have a fantastic day!” Then I walked out the door.
This story is probably only funny to me, because I lived it. The reputation of the IRS has traditionally been poor. You may recall several years ago, it only got worse, with an employee by the name of Lois Lerner. On that particular afternoon, I was attempting to give this IRS employee a chance to change my notion toward the reputation of the IRS. They failed miserably. I imagine that person would never recall our encounter. Yet, I won’t soon forget it.
I continue to carry the 16 pull tab with me. It reminds me every moment you meet someone is important. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first time or the 99th time. It’s your opportunity to make that person feel good about you, the circumstance, or most importantly, you can make them feel good about themselves. It all depends on how you treat them. Seems so simple, doesn’t it?
Sixteen – it’s about loving your neighbor as yourself.
Until next time…