Howdy, Y'All!

Nothing warms the cockles of the heart like a cheery, "Hello!" 'Twill put a spring in your step and set your face aglow! 'Tis nice to hear a southern lass say, "Hi, shuga, how y'all!" Or be greeted with a lusty, "Howdy" by a Texan's drawl! A sunny greeting is welcome no matter what the language. It brightens your neighbor's day and kinship it will assuage. In Japan from the south in Okinawa to the north in Misawa, Folks bow low and say to one another, "Konnichiwa!" In France, noted for its exquisite cuisine and chic haute couture, Gentlemen doff their chapeaux and wish a cordial, "Bon jour!" Jewish brethern acknowledge others with a calming, "Shalom!" While Muslim folks will greet you with the traditional, "Salaam!" The Aussies have a delightful way their greeting to convey. They lighten everyone's day by simply saying to you, "G'day!" Spanish folks say, "Bueno dias!" to folks they happen to greet. Germans hail others with, "Guten Tag!" strolling along the street! Alas, the babble of languages may not be quite understood, But just one small gesture might help to foster brotherhood! If we'd take time to greet each other and flash a friendly smile, 'Twould surely make someone's day and life seem more worthwhile! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)