Do we thank those in our lives between “hello” and “goodbye?”  Do we thank them for their smiles, their hugs, their words of wisdom and comfort to us in times of need?  Do we thank them for spending time with us, for sharing their lives with us, for loving us when we found loving ourselves to be difficult?

Recently, I had the opportunity to say “goodbye” to someone I loved and respected a great deal.  As I said, “goodbye,” I also had the gift and blessing to say “hello” to many of this person’s loved ones and friends, who are also beloved to me.  I got to sit near and sing with people I love for a short time.  Then, we all parted with more “goodbye” moments.

As I have pondered this experience, I am determined to raise my voice in appreciation for those I love, to spend a little more time on the more meaningful aspects of my life, to share gratitude openly with those I know and those I just meet.  I never know when my “hello” will turn out to be a final “goodbye.”

I hope that this blog will communicate my thanks to you–for reading, for being a part of a group of people who seek to MPower themselves and those around them.  “Hello” to you, and thanks for being you.  Happy Monday!  And now I will say, “goodbye” until Monday comes again…with all the love in my heart.

Yesterday was a particularly hard day for me.  Yet, I was surrounded by my friends, my family and people who care about me.  Even those who were far away were praying for us.  I felt the strength that comes from prayers others offered in my behalf.  The day was hard, but the support of my friends made it possible for me to have the strength and the courage I needed.  I will be forever grateful to those beautiful people in my life.

Best of all, friends become a part of our family.  Some, like sisters, are kin by blood and also by friendship. We love them and want to share in their lives too. How blessed we are to have wonderful friends. My mom always told me to be careful who I chose to be my friends. I am glad I followed her counsel. I have the best friends in the world!

How can you share your love with a friend today?

I have been thinking a lot about what I would say today. The words which come into my mind are “thank you.” I cannot think of anything more profound or important to say than “thank you.”
My heart is full to overflowing with gratitude for the love, comfort and help we have been given recently.

As we have gone through this experience, I have been awed and amazed at how many friends we have; amazed at how we can be connected with people from far away, not having kept in daily contact, but still have the same love and attachment that we felt years ago. We are family. We are one, big, gigantic family. We are the family of God.

I hope I remember always that we are brothers and sisters. I actually don’t think I ever forgot it; I just didn’t always pay enough attention to the connection which occurs at each of our births. But now, my eyes are wide open, and I am fully awake. So, I won’t write a long blog. After a while, you will understand our experience because I believe we have to share our experiences with each other so that others can benefit from our mistakes and benefit from the growth we experience as a result of learning from those mistakes.

I also want to express my gratitude for a loving Father in Heaven who takes good care of us. Without Him in my life, I don’t know how I would be able to look forward and keep moving in that direction.

Our family has been strengthened. We have reopened doors wide to reconnect with the people we love. Thank you to each of our family members and friends who have supported and sustained us. You have empowered us to continue and to fight, even when we were too tired to go on. Your encouragement and your love nourish us daily. Thank you.

How can we help to sustain and support you?