To say the week before last was a stressful week would be an understatement. By the time Thursday came around, I felt as if I’d worked a month without a break! As I arose, took my morning walk, showered, and hopped in my car to drive to work, I already felt mentally drained.

Then it happened. The Wave. 

No, not the Covid wave. Not a blue wave. Nor the sense of the inevitable change of time or competition from a future wave.

No – the wave from another vehicle!

You see, in our region, in our counties and towns, folks wave at you as you pass by. It is a friendly gesture. 

It is an acknowledgement that, “I think I know you,” or that you might be my mom’s third cousin on her dad’s side. Giving someone a wave is a way to let them know you noticed them and wish them a good day.

And all waves are not the same. A wave is a personal thing developed over time with some forethought.

My father had a unique wave or acknowledgment. His index and middle fingers on his right hand would rise from the steering wheel with a counterclockwise twist. Sometimes the entire arm would follow his digits. My wave is patterned after my father’s.

After a few waves, I made my way to the office strengthened by these simple gestures of kindness.

Our Bank is in a special position. A Community Bank that people trust and turn to during hard times. 

Those waves came from people that I may or may not know. However, they came from a person, from a place that continues to this day to show care with even the smallest gestures.

Still somewhat tired and drained, I arrived at the office with a renewed focus to take care of those who in their own way cared (and care) for me.

Stay safe.

– Leton

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“Letters From Leton” is a blog series comprised of the weekly updates that Leton Harding – President, Chairman, and CEO of Powell Valley National Bank, shares with the Bank’s team members. These newsletters are full of uplifting anecdotes and intriguing insights that are applicable beyond the Bank, so we want to share them with you.