Every Single Bit!

Found this little quote
and ... kind of fell in love with it!

I understand now that I'm not a mess
but a deeply feeling person
in a messy world.
I explain that now when someone asks
'Why do you cry so often?'
I respond:
'For the same reason I laugh so often -
because I'm paying attention.'

Don't let the mess mess with you.
Tears are not signs of weakness.
Laughter is beautiful freedom.
Embrace all that you are.
Every single bit!

Hib

So today is my 'little' brother's birthday.
Six months younger, and a good foot taller,
he was my best friend growing up.
Sadly, he exited this world way too early.
And, although I will shed a tear or two today,
it is what he brought to this world
that is so extraordinary -
not that he left so soon.
He lived on his own terms;
did his own thing;
made up languages,
made up songs,
stole dogs (for car rides),
left gifts without reason,
laughed infectiously,
joked incessantly,
and loved without condition.
I miss you bro!
Thanks for shining so brightly
on so very many people.

Ch-Angel AMB

So my little Ch-Angel pal, AMB,
is getting ready to retire.
She already spent a lifetime
showcasing incredible children,
their struggles and victories,
raising awareness of their plight,
and raising more money
than you could imagine.
In her second chapter, she chose to work with
another organization that focuses on cancer patients
and research to bring that monster an end.
She's spent her work life creating and doing more good
than most of us can ever dream of.
She's 'mothered' hundreds of kids and raised them amazingly.
They are all better adults because she touched their lives.
Her words met countless eyes and
plucked the strings of countless hearts.
She changed lives at every opportunity.
I am saddened that the world will no longer be treated
to her visions or her words or her gifts.
I am thrilled beyond words
that this truly talented and selfless wonder
will now give herself time to enjoy the world around her,
to travel and laugh and visit and relax.
She very much deserves it.
Enjoy!
My Ch-Angel AMB!

"Whatchou got?"

Ashes to ashes ...
none of us is getting out of here alive,
so ...
what will you leave?
What kind of legacy are you offering?

I'm not speaking of self-monikered buildings.
Nor am I talking about a trail of trophies
or an avalanche of accolades.
I am referring to those things
that will truly make an impact.

Is it kindness?
Is it compassion?
Is it morality?
Is it tenderness?
Is it love?

Fame and fortune fades.
To give hope and shed light,
to prepare a path for others ...
THAT is a legacy.

Mo T

We're talking about Mother Teresa here.
I was just trying to make her more relevant
to the younger folk.
Try this one on for size:

Let no one ever come to you
without leaving better and happier.
Be the living expression
of God's kindness;
kindness in your face,
kindness in your eyes,
kindness in your smile.

I really, really try to live this.
What objective could be more important?

Definition

Never let another person
define you as a human.
You are not their expectations.
You are not their limitations.
You are not their ideology.

You are you!

You are this magnificent creature
who has a boatload of talent
and a beautiful heart
and a soul chock full o' kindness
just waiting to be shared.
Don't allow the darkness of others
dim your light.
Create your own brilliant definition of you.

Beautiful.
Strong.
Bold.
Resilient.
Enduring.

Scratch & Dent

I am more
(she said with a gulp)
than half a century old.
I was blessed with an extraordinary mom
who instilled in me fantastic values,
who led by amazing example,
who pushed me to push myself.
Now, alllll these years later,
she watches from above -
still pushing, leading and instilling.
One of my favorite lessons
was learned by watching - not by listening:

Her life was not perfect, nor easy.
She fought and clawed her way
out of every chasm that swallowed her up.
She learned lessons from selfish, lazy people
and built incredible things
from the hardships she endured.
There were scratches and dents
and still she knew her worth.

As should you.