Appreciation

Sometimes you meet people and it really helps you appreciate your own life. Today is one of those days. I had the good fortune to meet someone whose life as of late provided me with a very clear view or my own.

They have had such a tremendous amount of strife. The old phrase "if it weren't for bad luck, they'd have no luck at all" came to mind as I listened to them unveil their story. From a very sick child (and I mean very) to the collapse of a 20 year marriage, to the sudden realization that they did not know how to begin each day now that their life had changed so dramatically I could sense the level of frustration and loss that they lived with daily. And all I could think to tell them was that they would be fine. All I could say was that they had essentially overcome the biggest hurdles and the rest would unfold much easier than they could begin to imagine. It was just a matter of letting it happen.

I left wishing I had been able to give them more, some words of wisdom that would help them garner the strength for tomorrow. It did not really matter that I knew the strength was there already - just waiting to be drawn up from within. I believe they will be more than fine. But my belief and their own ability to feel triumphant are very far apart.

As I drove away it dawned on me that I am truly blessed. My family is healthy (knock on wood, praise the Lord and all other customs of protection to follow that phrase), and we face only the normal trials of living. We face the day to day struggle of discovering ourselves and finding a way to hold our course - being centered and comfortable in who we are and happy to be just that.

So I write this in appreciation to the friend I made today who so openly shared their story and gave me the renewed appreciation for the blessings in my life. Tonight when I raise my glass over dinner it will be in their honor, with the sincere hope that very soon they will feel the same way - Blessed.