I know a woman who is always
thinking of others.  Rarely does she
think about herself exclusively, or if she does – it ultimately extends out to
reach those around her. She spends a lot
of her time researching and preparing things that when completed – seem effortless
to those who benefit.  Those who receive
a bar of her homemade soap for instance –
may not realize that she has spent countless hours researching the properties
of various fixatives for that soap so that the scent of lavender (flowers from
the plants she grew and tended herself) keep their fragrance longer and reflect
a true lavender scent.  Each bar contains
the essence of the careful preparation and care that she lavishes on each small
detail…part of herself passes into each thing that she makes – with pride. Those who know her are sometimes in awe of
her – how easy she does make it look.

 It is not her nature to call attention to the
effort itself – to do so would cheapen not only the gift itself – but the creator
of the gift.  Her gifts come from the
heart and spirit of her.  Sadly, when
faced with an individual who appears to do everything so well and so
effortlessly, we often take them and their gifts for granted.  We do
this with those around us that we love, who are always there for us, who always
are ready with a willing shoulder or hug, who offer up without asking for
anything in return.  

We owe them much more just
our thanks and our appreciation.  We owe
ourselves as well – not to take these wonderful, compassionate people in our
midst for granted – because they are in truth – rare.  So should you be blessed to know one of them –
take a few moments of your day now and then to ask them how they are, learn
what is important to them, celebrate them and what they bring to your life…and
do it without asking anything in return from them.  That is the gift that they most wish and long
for -  the pearl without  price.

SO – to my sister Stacy, my
old and dear Adele the Dark, my daughter Tina, my good friend John  – for all of those
of you who have helped me and been there without thot of return far too many to name – I see, I
know, I appreciate more than there are words to say.  To have you in my life has been a gift and
I count myself blessed to have known you.