Recently I was thrust onto the POPULAR list here at ULCM with my silly face on the HOME page just under Father Carl and Reverend Mike. I have watched over the past 2 years that I have been here at the network as the names on this list come and go and it never once occured to me to "try" to be there and yet recently I was shocked when someone suggested that those of us who somehow end up on this list from time to time are "collecting friends."
I had to chuckle a little bit because I have seen this before in my life. When my Mom died at the young age of 44 people came from everywhere: Canada, Europe and many states of the USA. There were over 100 cars at graveside and even more at the funeral. All told there were several thousand visitors and even more sympathy cards that kept coming and coming months and years after her death. SO HOW could ONE WOMAN know SO MANY people I thought? As time went on and it became increasingly apparent that I had inherited her FRIENDLY GENES I lost track of how many friends I have encountered in my life...here at this network they keep track for you...
I also am reminded of a blog where 7 years after my father's death there is still a debate raging to determine whether my father "collected dictionaries" or actually learned 28 of the world's languages in his life. I am his daughter. I know the truth. At his funeral and in the months and years that followed we found out how far his kindness stretched. The University where he had taught a translation course collected enough "dust money" to begin a memorial scholarship fund in his name. And who woulda thunk that the man with the pocket protector that took his kids to the park and the library every Saturday would have known or affected so many lives.
SO YOU SEE FOLKS for now my name is on the "popular" list and tomorrow it might be you...but just for one moment if you are wondering why and searching for some reason why...PLEASE understand that I did inherit the GIFT OF GAB and the GIFT OF CARING...and if that puts me on someone's HIT LIST...so be it.
To all who here call me FRIEND...thank you...not for putting me on some LIST somewhere BUT for your kindness everyday and the joys and sorrows that we share AND WILL CONTINUE TO SHARE FOR A LIFETIME.
NAMASTE ! With Joy from your FRIEND, Mom NANHI.
