11 December 2010

Honest Gratitude

My son wrote a thank you note the other day. It's the first time I ever recall him doing so for any reason to anyone. My wife teared with gratitude. I was deeply touched.

It's funny and seems natural on the face of it-- but a key tenet that we ignore to our peril.

Each of us encounters crossroads where we either embrace or ignore the little light inside. Ignore it and the next time it'll dim. Ignore it over a lifetime and one goes completely dark inside. I've met those people with black hearts. You have, too.

On the other hand, embrace the little spark, and one improves. My son probably felt good about his little note. My wife felt wonderful. I glowed with pride, and I'm sure his little siblings picked up on it, too. Maybe some unborn generations will yet read his note and be moved, too.

The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living. (Cicero)

Nice work, EJ. I knew it was in ya all the time.

Dad