In my now 59 years of age, I like to think that I have seen
it all. And also that, I have “pearls”
of wisdom. I think we like to think we
know a thing or two at our age. Or maybe,
just maybe, we have “learned” a thing or two.
Learning is a lifelong process (profound, I know!). But more importantly, we need to grow from
those incredibly challenging experiences that help to mold us and to shape us
into human beings with hearts that see and feel. Then, we need to use that knowledge for good,
turning it into “positive” actions.
After Zach’s passing, and learning all the circumstances
that surrounded his death, I knew the only way I would survive was to stay busy
by serving. If I could look for someone
to help in some small way, I knew my life would be blessed. Do you even realize how many people need
help? The list is endless! Reading to pre-schoolers, helping an elderly
person across the street, helping someone at the check-out line in the grocery
store who clearly has no money, helping someone who has made poor choices,
being a friend who listens, loving your family and all their imperfections, bake
something yummy and secretly deliver it to someone who needs to feel special,
and most importantly we need to be kind.
These are only a very small amount of the types of things we can do. And, we can do these types of things every
day!
Instead of hard-heartedness, find compassion. Instead of blame and judgment, find
forgiveness. Instead of prejudice, find
acceptance and friendship. Instead of
cruelty, find kindness. Instead of hate, find love.
Now, I am NOT perfect and therefore have to work on ALL of
these things. I can say, I am trying to
give life my best effort. The things
that have become obstacles in my life, I simply cut a wide path around
them. I basically try and avoid the
negative. Negative is dark and heavy,
but positive is ethereal and full of light.
Every day I have a choice of how I want to live, of what I
want to do, of how I want to feel. I
have the choice. At the end of the day,
I evaluate my day, my efforts, and my choices.
Would Zach be smiling and proud of me?
OR would he be covering his eyes saying, “Oh Mom, why did you do (or
say) that?!!” Would my Savior be pleased
with my efforts? Would my Father in
Heaven? I am praying that each of them is
pleased with my efforts.
I went to the cemetery on my birthday with Mark. It is sweet to remember our son, his life,
his infectious laugh, any memory that brings us joy and peace. My ritual when I leave is to kiss my hand,
touch the ground where he is buried, and then look to the bright blue sky. I sometimes feel like I am staring straight
into heaven. And, I sometimes feel like
Zach is staring and smiling… right back at me.
A few kindness quotes to ponder:
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Aesop
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Mark Twain
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." Lao Tzu
"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness." William Arthur Ward
And one of my new favorite songs by Tim McGraw "Humble and Kind"
AND... Mark also took me to "Puppy Palace" to hug and hold some sweet pups
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| Mark trying to love holding a puppy |
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| Success! |
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| I fell in love with this one! |
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| Puppies make everything happy! <3 |
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