Some time ago, before the pandemic, I was coming home on the street car, after a long overnight shift at a group home for women.

As it was rush hour for most people just heading in to work, the car was crowded. Luckily, a young man relinquished his seat for me, and it was one of the few wide ones in the car.

I sat down gratefully, looked up, and saw two small women in front of me who looked exhausted. I invited them to join me on the seat. There was plenty of room.

I commented that they looked tired, and they said that they had been on their feet all night. I said that I had been too.

Then, to make a little conversation to break the ice, I said, "We should all get medals or a plaque, presented to us at a banquet where they make thank-you speeches in our honour".

They broke into flushed smiles at this idea.

Here is the remarkable part: a young woman now standing in front of us said, "You won't believe this, but I work at a company that makes medals and plaques!"

I commented that her job must be rewarding, to be working with a company that creates and offers physical expressions of appreciation to people so that their efforts are publicly acknowledged.

After our surprising exchange, the four of us shared a warm vibe for the rest of the trip.