“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. “
~Burton Hillis
In the midst of a horrific national tragedy, it’s hard not to hold those dear to you a little closer and a little tighter.
It’s so important not to take those we love for granted.
When I was a dietetic intern, many years ago, I learned a valuable lesson… Life is fragile.
Working in a hospital, I witnessed young children diagnosed with terminal illness, not given the opportunity to fall in love, experience the miracle of life and it changed my perspective of life. I am grateful that I received that lesson at such a young age.
Every day we wake up with health, love, and opportunities to make the difference in someone’s life. Whether it be by a hug, a smile, simply holding a door open, a phone call, a silly card.
Fred Rogers, one of my heroes, comments on how to speak to children about tragedy…
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,‘ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.” ~ Fred Rogers
Fred Rogers reminded us that there is only one person in the whole world like you.
You are special.
Time’s like these make our day to day frustrations seem so trivial and wasteful.
We are slowly coming together as a family here at the Scarlata household. My son is home from college for the holidays and my daughter will be here next week. I can’t wait to have a big family hug.
So as we mourn as a nation. I hope you count your blessings. I hope you can tell those you love you love them. And remember, you are special and anyone can be a helper. Key your eye open for opportunities to help.
In my small hometown, a group of Mom’s create special MOM to MOM boxes for the Mom’s who are residing in our local Mother’s shelter. It’s a small gesture of kindness that makes a tough situation a bit better for these Mom’s that have been a bit displaced.
It’s not difficult to find opportunities to be a helper, I hope during this holiday season you can find your opportunity to help another.