New Year's Wish

AS the New Year approaches, I take the time to reflect on the important things in my life. Last week, my youngest son was in an automobile accident. He came out, most importantly, alive. He had some soreness in his arm and belly and a large abrasion on his neck from the seatbelt. Otherwise, he was unharmed. From the extent of the damages to the van, and to the tree it hit, things could have been unthinkably worse. I am thankful that we were able to continue with our Christmas plans. We were all very lucky. It made me take a close look at the value of the things dear to me. It made me think about my wishes for those special people. To those dear to me, both friends and family, I wish these things for you in the coming year: I sincerely wish that
. . . you are now, and continue to be healthy.
. . . you want for nothing.
. . . your year be filled with joy and love.
. . . you share a least one true friendship.
. . . you lose no one who is dear to you.
. . . no tragedy befall you.
. . . your life be touched with all that is good.
. . . you remember all that is dear to you, and be thankful.
Happy New Year, dear ones. May it bring you all that I wish for you, and all that you wish for yourselves.

The Rainy Day

With list in hand, I loaded my four year old son into the van, and headed toward the grocery store. As I turned the corner it began to pour. It was raining so hard, that it was difficult to see. I cautiously head on. I truly needed to do the shopping. We were out of just about everything. As I drove along, I thought about the miserable weather. I thought how crowded the store would be, and how certain I was, all of the carts would be wet. I grumbled to myself as I found a parking place that was, of course, half way across the lot. I turned around to tell my son that we were there, and wouldn't you know it? He had fallen asleep! With an exasperated sigh, I filled my pocket with paper towels and got out to retrieve my sleeping child. I picked him up and hurried into the store. Shifting him onto one hip, I began to attempt to pull the paper towels out of my pocket, so that I could dry the seat for my son. I struggled with them, and managed to get enough out to start drying off the seat. Suddenly, a young woman touched my arm. "Here. Let me do that for you." She said with a smile. She took the paper towels from my hand, and began to dry the cart. "Thank you." I said. "This is very nice of you." I began to lift my son into the cart. She gently lifted his feet, so they would not get caught on the back of the seat, while holding the cart so it did not slip away. She told me that no thanks were necessary; "It is just a small thing. I am a mother too." Small? Not to me. This kindness made what could have been a difficult task, much easier. "You are kind." I told her. Her response? She shook her head. "People have been kind to me in my life. The best thing I can do, is to do the same." She wished me a blessed day, and went on about her own shopping trip. I walked through the aisles, selecting the things I needed as my son slept, peaceful and dry. As I walked along, I could not stop thinking of the young woman, and the kindness she shared with me. I thought about the difference that the small thing" had made. I did not learn her name, and felt I had not thanked her enough. So, I will do as she had said. I will do the same. I will share a kindness with a stranger. I will touch someone's life today. I will make a difference.