“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”
– Melody Beattie –
Today is Auntie’s birthday. I miss her, and I know lots of others do as well… Auntie was a generous soul, and she certainly had a grateful heart. She had what Robert Emmons, in his essay “Why Gratitude is Good,” referred to as “relationship-strengthening” qualities. No matter who you were or how you were connected to Auntie she made you feel like you were the only person in her life and that she had all the time and energy in the world to be your biggest fan and cheerleader. Solid like a rock… Devoted, determined, and loyal…
Auntie had the ability to encourage others to not only appreciate gifts they had been given, but to repay them — pay them forward. She savored the good in life, and reminded others by words and example, to count their blessings. A privately religious woman, Auntie had a deep spiritual core. They say that praying enhances gratitude…
What an amazing life she lived, and even at the bitter end, Auntie was more concerned about showing appreciation to others, expressing gratitude for relationships she treasured, and thanking those who cared for her than she did her own suffering and pain… She was, and I don’t doubt remains, an eternal optimist who will look out for those she loves…
Thank you, Auntie, for all the beauty and joy you have brought to my life and the lives of so many others… I wish you peace and comfort on your birthday, and always.