Surprised. Humbled. Grateful. Appreciative. 

Those are a few words to describe how I felt when I read Kerri Thoreson's column in The Press as I was sitting at our kitchen table and drinking my morning coffee Wednesday, July 8. She wrote kind words about my coverage of Coeur d'Alene's Fourth of July parade. 

I admit I was pleased someone noticed I was out there, walking and running the parade route from start to finish, taking pictures, getting names for those pictures, and interviewing people. Yes, I could have assigned it to a reporter, but I love covering parades. Kerri's words brightened my day.

Now, I don't intend to repeat what Kerri wrote, nor is my intention to get you to go back and read that great column in case you missed it. What I want to highlight is the power of positive, encouraging words. In this business, you can write what you think is the greatest story in the world, take what you think is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photo, or get what you think is the scoop of the century, and no one says a thing about it. Not even a "well done," for all your efforts. 

I suppose it's much the same in any line of work when you bust your butt, knock yourself out, deliver a brilliant performance, and not a single word of appreciation comes your way.

It can be disappointing.

That's why it's important that we do better to acknowledge those around us. It doesn't have to be a grand spectacle. Just a note. A text. A phone call. A card. I'm not saying we should all be cheerleaders. I am saying that a kind, encouraging word can be the difference between a good day and a bad day; between feeling like you blew it and feeling like you won the lottery.

I received such a text from a friend Thursday morning.  

"Hey Bill! I just wanted to say I appreciate you! You are crushing it with the press!" 

That made my day. 

My late brother, Michael, was without equal when it came to cards and notes offering inspiring words to family, friends and customers. He was known for always including a $5 Starbucks gift card. 

"Have a coffee on me. You are the best!" 

I saved his cards and, every so often, pull them out and read them again on nights I think I can't do anything right. I have tried to emulate Michael and offer praise and encouragement, but with a naturally critical, cynical spirit I inherited from my father, I'm not doing as well as I should, but I'm better than I was. (At least, I think so. Some would disagree and say I'm as surly as ever). 

Good words matter.

I recall running the Dingle Marathon in Ireland. Afterward, as I walked around wearing my green marathon shirt, people repeatedly told me, "Well done." Not one person that I recall walked by without offering a good word. I was quite pleased and proud that they noticed I ran the full marathon. 

In the Bible, the book of Proverbs offers a few verses on this subject. 

"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up." 

"Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." 

Indeed, they are.

When I lived on Kauai, my good friend Bill Fernandez always greeted me with a smile and encouraging comment. He is one of the most successful, yet humble, men I know. I always looked forward to visits with Bill and his wife, Judie, because they were welcoming, kind and positive.

People I admired but are no longer with us, including Joe Peak and my Uncle Frank Urick, possessed a joy that made you want to be around them.

I believe too many people go through life without receiving words of praise. And that's too bad. I believe such words have a bigger impact than we know. 

That's why I encourage you, the next time you are with family, friends and co-workers, tell them you noticed something they did well, and you appreciate it. Tell them you appreciate them.

Who knows. It might even wind up in Kerri's column.

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Bill Buley is managing editor of The Press. He can be reached at [email protected].