Grateful

One day, back when I was a child and still lived in Guatemala City, I went to visit my friend Annie. When I arrived at her house, I found her at the piano, teaching a boy to play a song. Her friend struggled remembering the key progression and soon threw his hands in the air, yelling, “This is stupid!”

Annie put her hand on the boy’s shoulder and ever-so-kindly encouraged him to try again. I was blown away! The kid was being a jerk, yet she showed him unmerited gentleness – something I wasn’t used to. “If that were me,” I fumed, “I would’ve slapped him instead!”

But not Annie.

Three decades later, my friend’s patience and kindness still inspire me – especially since those two are not my most prominent virtues. Throughout the years, when faced with situations that tend to bring out the worst in me – irritating customers, screaming toddlers, hurried drivers cutting me off on the freeway – the memory of Annie’s sweet attitude still causes me to stop and consider taking a higher road.

On that note and on this Thanksgiving week, I’d like to mention those people who’ve shown kindness (and lots of patience!) to this many-a-times irritating, sometimes unlovable, even unlikable human being.

I want to thank my extended family, especially my parents, for putting up with me when I acted real ugly (particularly around 13) and for making me feel like I could reach any goal I set my eyes on. You guys are the best.

I want to thank my husband Ron, for choosing me when I thought I wasn’t worth a second look, for being the best daddy ever, for putting up with my mediocre cooking and marginal housekeeping, and for making me feel pretty. I love you, Dear.

I want to thank my children: Gracie, Ronnie and Nick, for bravely enduring the distinct experience of being reared by a mother with attention deficit and a foreign accent and still manage to come out halfway unscathed. You guys are my heroes and the joy of my life.

I want to thank all my friends, for loving me, for laughing at my bad jokes and awkward sense of humor, and for making me feel like I’m great. Life would be so sad without you.

I want to thank my gym buddies, for always setting up for me before class because I’m never there on time to do it myself, for cheering me up when my arms and legs are shaking so bad I want to quit five minutes into class, and for telling me I look great even though I’ve put on a few pounds. You girls rock.

I want to thank my clients, for trusting me with your own clients, for your patience and flexibility as I continue to learn the trade, for your guidance, and for blessing my family with the fruits of our collaboration and with your generosity.

I want to thank my church family, especially my pastors, for loving and accepting me just as I am, for godly teachings and wise counsel, and for giving me a chance to use and grow my gifts so that I may experience the pleasure of serving others. Each and every one of you is an inspiration.

Above all, I want to thank my Lord Jesus, for saving my soul and giving me an abundant life, filled with peace, joy and hope.

And to Annie who, along with her example, told me about God’s love for impatient and unkind people like me. I will always be grateful to you, no matter where life takes us, you will always have a special place in my heart.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!

Love,

Ana

Dedicated to my dear childhood friend, Ana Isabel Nisthal Georgakoudes, who married a great guy, has four amazing kids and now lives in the island of Cyprus.