What's Appreciated, Appreciates

I heard an interview last weekend with the parents of Ben Wheeler, a sweet 6-year-old who was killed at Sandy Hook. They are extraordinary in their strength and their search for meaning in that senseless event, and have chosen love over fear to move forward in their lives; in fact, they spend time looking at the wonders that their lives still hold, even as they are grieving the loss of their son. 

Having lost a brother in a tragic event when we were both quite young, I know the effort it takes to see the good around you in that context, so I applaud the Wheelers for the lesson they are sharing with the world. They're saying, "Wake up! Treasure what you have in your lives!"

There are so many times I get caught up in mere inconveniences and lose sight of the enormous and magical things that anchor my life; beginning with the basics many of us have that are absolute riches to others, and yet I don't stop to notice them every day. Things like fundamental shelter, nutrition, clothing, and health; the attention of good friends, the unconditional love of family and the respect of knowledgeable colleagues; transportation and other infrastructure; and the benefit of living in a developed country with freedom and sophistication there for the taking. Then, what about the ability to get an education and grow our skills and intelligence; having a source of income; access to the right professionals (medical, financial, spiritual, etc.); resources to help others and enjoy ourselves? (And I still haven't even covered everything.)

I also thought about technology and the platforms it provides—it makes my work easier and more effective, and it connected me with a beloved aunt for several years before she passed unexpectedly, and far too early. LinkedIn and Facebook are on my list as well! They keep me in touch with my amazing business connections and my special cousins (many of whom I'm just now getting to know in a deeper fashion) and have brought forward some remarkable friends from high school, unseen for decades, who add texture and meaning to my world.

I know from experience, though I don’t remember this every moment, that when I say “thank you” for something, I get more of the good that’s out there. And I sure like the good! What’s appreciated, appreciates. 

If you’ve made it this far, I have one more thing for which I’m grateful: those who read what I compose! As a writer by nature and by profession, I seek to be understood, and I’m more likely to tell you in 100 words than 10 how I feel…so thanks for sticking with me on this and some of my other tomes. You’re good eggs.

© 2013 A Bit of Brie/Anitabrie