Gratitude on Valentine's Day

Life ebs and flows.  It is interesting to look over the course of your life and see the things that you thought mattered so much when you were younger, don't seem to be quite as big of a deal now. And then other things that weren't such a big deal before are now paramount.

Last week I was waiting to have my oil changed at a place we have been going for the last 18 years.  It is a small garage, run by family.  They do good quality work.  It reminds me quite a bit of going with my dad to Ray's -- a repair shop in Denver.  The workers are humble, fair and friendly, they don't decorate their shop--they work on cars.  The waiting area has a small heater to keep the clientele warm, and is functional --probably "decorated" about 30 years ago.  Now the room is worn and dirty albeit adequate for the occasional waiting client.

As I sat and chatted with one of the workers that we have known for years, a lady dressed in an over-sized mismatched t-shirt, and ripped ill fitting jeans came into the shop, announcing that she finally had some money to help pay off her bill. (Considering it was 30 degrees outside, she was under dressed for comfort.) The owner came from the backroom, totaled what seemed like 5-6 invoices, and showed her the total.  She didn't look surprised, but saddened.  She handed him a wad of cash and admitted she didn't have enough and would have to come back when she got paid again.  Before she could say another word the owner said "Oh I forgot to give you the discount for our regulars."  Promptly discounting her bill and giving her back $20, he pronounced "That settles everything. Thanks for your business."

My first thought was "wait a minute!  I come here all the time, with every car we have--for the last 18 years!  I have never heard of the "regular discount".  But as she waved goodbye and expressed her gratitude,  I glanced at the owner who quietly marked the bills and disappeared again into the back room.  Wait.  I think as it begins to dawn on me.  There is no regular discount.  He just took a loss to help that lady.

As I have processed this experience over the past week, I have become so grateful for the life and challenges I have been given.  No life is without them.

So I thank first, my Heavenly Father for blessing me, and my family with the many things that we have been given, and our ability to work through the trials we have as well.  

While my heart still beats faster when I hear Shawn's car pull into the garage, and his slow sweet smile warms my heart as it did 24 years ago, there is more to love than that.  Now in my life I can appreciate that sometimes love is expressed in the things we do day after day for one another. 

So with that in mind, I have been lack in expressing my gratitude to my husband.   My man who put in the hours getting an education early in our marriage.  Who works so we can have the privilege of working cars, a nice house, clothes, food and more. I am proud of his work ethic, and his commitment to me, and to our family. 

There are so many luxuries we enjoy.  Our phones, our cars, and computers to name a few. Thank you for willingly going to work for us, and for doing it with integrity.

You very literally provide our son with the ability to not only see, but thrive in his environment because of the very specific glasses, and eye care that he requires. 

You provide our Tiffany with a constant education in language, culture and countries, and find the money for the coaches, pool time and equipment so she can pursue something that brings her joy.

You provide Marissa and Jocelyn their college experiences.  We agree that this moment in time for them--going to college for Marissa, and being newly married for Jocelyn-- is a small moment that has profound, far reaching effects in their lives.  They both have the opportunity to attend the college of their choosing--because they did the work in school, and you provide the means for them to be there.

Thank you for all these things and more.  (BTW thanks for opening my door and taking me to lunch.) I love you.  Happy Valentine's day.

And Happy Valentine's day to my kids.  You each make me a better person, both by watching how amazing you are and how you act and by wanting to make you proud to call me mom.  Love you all!  You too Alec!