That is so touching! And it makes me sad that today what you hear about is bullying at school and on the internet, and misguided administrators suspending or expelling students for stupid things like pointing a finger at someone or biting a pop-tart in the shape of a gun.
I don't know many kids, but at church and in other places I've been trying to tell people positive things about them that I appreciate.
Sunday at church the first half is always taken up with music played by some of the talented members or visitors as a band. There is usually a set of drums, an electric guitar, a bass guitar, an electronic keyboard, and sometimes a saxophone and several singers.
Last Sunday there was a man playing bongo drums with the band. He was so good, after the service I asked him if he was a professional. He wasn't, but I think it really pleased him that I appreciated his playing. I noticed a huge scar running down the back of one of his arms, past his elbow, and into his forearm. He said it took him a while to get over that, but I could see no stiffness at all in his playing. His skin was olive or brownish, and his hair was black. His nose made me think he descended from Aztecs.
Appreciation always comes back to you, I believe. Some time ago I spoke to a blond woman who sang in the band and told her I loved how she put everything she had in it. Her husband plays guitar in the band. Now they are my best friends at church. When I got heart palpitations last month I called them and they picked me up and took me to the urgent care center.
It's funny, and sort of wonderful, how you can love friends you haven't even met because you know them so well. Dear Fran, you are on the top of my list. |
