31 Dec 2008 |
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Prelude: A few months ago a very close friend of my oldest daughter (Tracy-not her real name) lost her home to a foreclosure. Consequently, they (her single mom, and three siblings) had to move in with a relative who had several children of his own. From what I hear via my daughter, Tracy is very unhappy in their “overcrowded” living arrangement and wishes that one day (soon) her mom would find them a place of their own, where she would not have to share a room with three other family members. In the meantime, Tracy continues to rotate between crashing at our house or at the home of some other friend(s). A couple days after Christmas, I overhear my 15-year old daughter chatting on the phone with another close friend of hers: “You’re lucky, you got everything you asked for,” she blurts in a dejected tone of voice. “What’s the matter with you?” I interrupt. “You got a lot of stuff that were on your list.” “Not really.” She replies in a pretentious tone of voice. “I asked for jewelry and shoes, no one gave me shoes or jewelry. I asked for gift cards to Kohl’s, Hollister’s, Wet Seal, and American Eagle. Almost everyone gave me iTunes gift cards.” “Are you hungry?” I ask. “No.” “Are you cold?” “No, the heater is blowing fine in my room.” She says. “Do you like having your own room?” I continue. “Yeah. Why?” “When was the last time you to talked to Tracy?” “I don’t know. She doesn’t have a cell phone anymore.” “Would it kill you to be thankful for all the things you have rather than focusing on what you didn’t get or don’t have?” I ask. All I get from her as far as a response goes, is a lame shrug. To all who continue to pester me with, “What’s your new year’s resolution,” pay close attention... I have zero plans to join Gold’s Gym. I have nada desire to meet Jenny Craig. In fact, I have zilch intention of discontinuing my year long campaign against neighbors who continue to park their vehicles on the road rather than in their driveway. The only resolution that I have for the upcoming year 2009 (and beyond) nonetheless, is simple. I intend to live each day with an attitude of gratitude for all things great and small. How about you? Happy New Year to all Villagers!
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