Thanks, a habbit that is long forgotton

"Thanks", is another one of the notes that Seanna gives in my book, Christmas Notes. This note was given in the attitude of gratitude for the friendship, help and other loving gifts Seanna had received in her stay at the orphanage.
I get a lot of plumbing service calls to more mature(seniors) people's homes. For two reasons; One they often live in older homes with plumbing that is out of date and starting to fail. Two, the word has spread quickly that I often plan to spend a little extra time after the bill has been paid to just visit, or to see if they need anything else none plumbing done for them.  I do this because I often benefit from our conversations more then then they do.
I have walked away having heard some of the best heroic World War II stories that have never been written. I have listened to the courage and grit of those that past through the Great Depreciation. If I had to sum up the lives of some of these great people that the world will soon be leaving behind, I could give them one word "Thanks" or "Gratitude". They are some of the most grateful people on earth.  Its no wonder I don't mind spending some extra time with them. It is easy and very satisfying to spend time with someone that knows life's hardships yet is so full of thanks that they almost glow.
I would like to talk to you about one such person I was able to visit with just a few days ago. Melody has Lew Garregs Disease. If you are unfamiliar with that disease I can tell you I hope you never have to be. It is a illness that slowly shuts down your nervous system. When I say slowly, I mean every day you notice something else that does not work just right on your body and often times the mind is left intact and normal which causes lots of frustration for the participant.  Melody was diagnosed with Lew Garregs about six months a go at the time I visited with her. As I waited for her to come from the bedroom to the living  room to visit with her I couldn't but help notice her struggle. It was only just a few months ago she was as energetic as any teenager with her vibrant positive attitude going around and doing good for people. I wondered if her attitude had been dampened by what had taken place with her body. As she struggled to sit down I helped her move the walker out of her way. She then spoke to me with a very quiet but raspy voice. Turns out the voice was the being attacked by the illness and it took a lot of effort to talk. As I sat there straining to hear her, the very first thing to come out of her mouth after was, "I am so grateful", I could not believe it.  She hoarsely rattled of about ten different things she was grateful for before she paused because of the strain. The rest of the conversation was filled with the same grateful tone.
The message I walked away with from that visit is a simple but profound. "Be thankful for what you have, give thanks for it, because someday it may no longer be there."
If only people could follow this principle! I am convinced it would save one from becoming prideful and therefore saving marriages, families, communities,  and yes even countries.

Copy write Dec 5th 2011.  Clint G Cox, Author of Christmas Notes.