The situation with this person had me thinking not only about his/her circumstances and everything that resulted in the aftermath, but it also had me thinking about myself. I often ask myself why don’t others see me how I view myself? I question whether the heart that I wear on my sleeve and the compassion I try to show towards others is something that is truly visible. When I ask close friends and family they say yes. But, associates, colleagues and acquaintances don’t see that. So, if I were to find myself in a situation that I deemed to be life altering I wonder how would others view it and ultimately me?
Sometimes, the only way to let people know how much you care for them, root for them and appreciate them is to say it. Many take your silence for something other than what you've intended it to be. Many believe that by not encouraging you’re discouraging. Many also believe that by not expressing love, your expressing dislike. I would hate people in my life to think I didn’t value them and appreciate what they've done for me and how much of an important impact that they've had on my life.
Years ago, my mom and I had a conversation about my Nana. My mother expressed sadness about the fact that my Nana seemed to speak highly of her oldest son, treat my moms sister like her best friend and my moms youngest brother with overwhelming generosity. My mom didn’t feel like she really received anything special. I told my mom that maybe you were the one she never worried about. Maybe you were the one she had faith in succeeding. Maybe because you were the oldest she didn’t think you needed as much guidance. Now this was all guessing on my part, but I believe it to be true and I know when I told her this, my mom thought so too. Much of the surmising could have been alleviated had my grandmother simply spoke of the love, fondness and how proud she was for and of my mother. Words hold power and although my grandmother grew up in a different time and was part of a generation that didn’t express it that way, it was felt. Today, is different. We live in a society that is built on words. We express them in 140 characters, on blogs, facebook and so much more. So, when you go to type something on someone’s wall or tweet a message, send an instagram, or a bbm or imessage remember the two words that can spark a lifetime of joyous feelings…..You’re Appreciated!