Learning to give

A few hours away from 2008, our New Year, my memories slip away to remembering what I have accomplished this past year. It does not seem grand by all means but more of a compassion that comes from deep within my heart. Without realizing it, I have been very generous and considerate to my friends and family due in part to my parents who have always been that way with my siblings and I. Their bounteous and unending source of goodwill and love have spilled over into my life making me the benefactor of their spirit. Definitely not in any monetary way but more so in lending a helping hand where I was needed. Because of my unselfish nature, Lynn will sometimes tell me, "You can say no". With my thought waves electrically connected to my heart while tugging the strings hidden beneath my face emitted a quizzical look, Can I say no? If it is within the realm of possible, I will kindly do what I can to help complete the task at hand. Often, I have received unexpected and sometimes overwhelming surprises and gifts from my co-workers, friends and family. I am very thankful to the point of absolute tears and it is at those unexpected times where I truly think that this my purpose on this earth. To give of myself so completely, without thinking, to their aid. If the world were this way, we would all be a much better earth, planet, society and human race.

Last Saturday

of the year for 2007. Lynn stopped by my house this afternoon for lunch after singing for a funeral at 9:00am this morning. I set a plate for her with some of last night's left over salmon and rice. We chit chatted about her gig and I showed her my daughter's new refrigerator that she received from PG&E's energy partner program. With a few stolen kisses and longing hugs we talked about our plans for New Year's. While sitting at the kitchen table, she gave me back my Hawaiian ring with two hearts that I had left at her house about a week ago. She had re-enameled the missing outline of the heart and now it shows beautifully. I let her put it back on my left index finger as we both gazed at the movement of her act. Breathless and silent for a few seconds as she thanked me for taking back the ring. I smiled and acknowledge her a "thank you". Hand in hand, thankful for each other, we both know that it's going to be a new journey for 2008.

Santa bell ringers

are out in full force. I visited Pak-n-Save this morning to do some grocery shopping and just before leaving the store, I heard the familiar ringing bell. {Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring } There she was, giving everyone that passed her whether they gave money or not, an upbeat cheer or spirited salutation with a warm, genuine smile. As I put a few dollars in the trade mark tin, I noticed she was a little older, had the Santa hat on and sported the red apron, looking like Santa's elf. What really attracted me to her was her joyousness at being out there and collecting contributions on a cold and dreary, rainy day. As I put my groceries into the back of my truck, I overheard her talking to herself saying, "Thank you for Christmas, thank you for this day". She was in a state of constant joy and very comfortable with herself. At that moment, I envied her for volunteering her time, her spirit and pure joy in helping and being thankful. If I think that I'm at my lowest point, I think about others that are less fortunate that I am. I am very thankful for this day.

Thankful for

this day to just be able to get up from my bed, put my feet on the floor and take a breath of air while listening to the quiet rustle of the leaves from my pear tree. I'm thankful for looking out of my bedroom window to see the beautifully colored finches dining on seeds and swimming in the birdbath bathing in the warmth of the sunshine. Thankful for seeing my summer covered dirt backyard now drenched with dark green grass and ivy covered fence. I'm thankful for my well being and my state of mind, to know that I can. I'm thankful for my three beautiful children and know that they will find their way in this world. I'm thankful for my friends, family and relatives being a part of my foundation and support. I'm am thankful for the almighty God and his faith that we are all human.
I am thankful for Lynn, my absolute love, friend, confidant and companion. I give thanks to all of these gifts and I know that all of us have gifts such as these to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holidays to you.