Sunday, May 17, 2020

WHAT MATTERS

It's Writers' Pantry #20, and I'm sharing
idle thoughts on a cloudy Sunday afternoon,
about what's really important in life, what
really matters.....or so it seems to me.
Submitted to Poets & Storytellers United
May 17, 2020
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Funny, it’s not the grand material things that bring lasting pleasure, but the small things that validate us.  When we’re gone,  it’s not likely we’ll be remembered for the material things we’ve accrued in this life,  but for the small kindnesses we’ve extended that linger in the memory of those whose lives we touched along the way.   It brings such a rush of pleasure to know, even with all the stumbles and  less than glorious moments during my life journey,  I have left some fond and positive memories  with others.   Nothing pleases me more than to be with my children and hear them speak fondly of things I did or said in their childhood;  to hear an ex-employee say “If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t be where I am today” or “You were a good boss” (never mind that their secret nickname for me was “Old Ironpants”!).  Recently, a long-time dear friend showed me a note I’d written her long ago during a difficult time for her that she’d kept all these years.  I was incredibly touched.  I guess you could say my greatest pleasure is simply knowing that I mattered.  

18 comments:

  1. You nailed it. It's the kindness , sacrifice of time for others and the quality of our relationships...that's all that matters.

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  2. This is lovely and a very true observation. Love and kindness is all that really matters.

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  3. This is pure wisdom, Bev. It makes me think of my little brother--he passed away very young, in his 20s. When he was alike we used to scream a lot at him because he was a bit... irresponsible his time and with his money. He worked hard, but he partied harder. And he was the sort of person who would give everything he had to his friends or anyone who needed it. The behavior used to drive the whole family crazy. After he died, I found myself more than once feeling thankful that he had fun in life, and that he made so many friends who made him happy. These days, one of my biggest joy is that so many people remember my brother... for his generous heart, for his eternally happy face. Indeed, the seemingly small things are the ones that matter (and last).

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    1. It's said no one is truly gone so long as they live on in the memory of others. It sounds as if your brother lives on in the memory of many and their comments bring him along side you from time to time! It's what life is all about.

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  4. I absolutely love, love this Beverly!❤️ You are absolutely right. It is the small things that validate us.

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  5. How good it is to see someone be helpful to other particularly in a working situation. Even if you are ambitious there is no reason to be unkind and unhelpful. What a beautiful post this is.

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  6. So many times, these kinds of things are the best of things.The things that make no money and bring no fame but are done because you want to.

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  7. So well put, Bev! Small kindnesses mean everything. I feel the same about comments from past pupils, who have said I made a difference to school for them, or they wouldn’t be where they are without my teaching or advice.

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  8. You've nailed the secret of a good life here.

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  9. That's lovely! And I very much like the quote from Anonymous, too.

    And you have a spammer: the comment just before mine. (Not sure if I needed to tell you; you'll probably spot and delete him without my help – but, just in case.)

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  10. this is absolutely lovely and wise. You've nailed it squarely. yes, it's not likely we'll be remembered for the material things we have accumulated in this life, but for the kind and compassionate gestures we give to our fellow human beings.

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  11. To know that one matters, I agree that it could be the best and most rewarding part of someone's life.
    Thank you for sharing.

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  12. Yes, what a blessing to know how you made such a positive impact on others.

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  13. This is beautiful, and I like the words in the image, too. 😍🤗

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  14. Three of my grandparents I remember well, the things and times they shared with me. Riding with Grandpa, confiding in Grandma, and my other grandmother sticking up with me in a tattle tale episode, from her son doing the telling.
    Nice thought you wrote of, Beverly
    ..

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  15. Hi Beverly! i would feel the same way. happy to know that we matter to some. God bless and be safe from Rona.

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