This may be the corniest post ever, but I got the sweetest email from a family friend yesterday. I’ve always looked up to this person, and was just so touched by this. I edited it slightly, but here’s the jist of it:
“Most people could never handle the kind of independence that you’ve had to deal with for all these years. You have done extremely well on your own, and should be proud of all that you’ve accomplished with little or no help. We should have the Rose Garland Award for the person who, no matter how deep the quicksand, nor how hard anybody tries to hold you down, you always manage to bob to the top by your own efforts. Congratulations on being a winner. We salute you!”
It floored me that someone I respect and love so much would say something so sweet about me. To have someone look into me, and really see the person I am. I guess we all need to hear good things every once in a while. I am still just so touched.
But I know that by far, I am not the only person who has suffered. You, the person reading this, have suffered greatly, and I recognize and see that in each person – none of us are alone in this. Like me, you have also triumphed above obstacles, because as humans that’s what we do. You may or may not have seen the worst that humanity has to face, but you have been hurt by life, as we all have, and are still working on being the best person you can be. See, I know this about you, because I know this about each of my friends and loved ones.
No one gets by unscathed.
So, I guess I’d like to give this imaginary award to those who have helped someone when they’re down. The “Your First and Last Name Award” goes to those who have sacrificed something dear to them to make someone else’s life better. To those who have rescued a child, an animal, or another innocent being from a sad or desperate situation, or tried to. For all of those who have stood up against evil, sadness, desperation and depression, even if it was just by just sharing a commiserating smile with a stranger. To those who do the best they can to leave the world a little better than when they entered it.
To those with courage, compassion, love, honor, integrity, and spirit – I salute you. The award might be imaginary, but it’s still genuinely meant. You deserve it.
All best,
Rose
P.S. (Oh my God, LOL, please don’t embarrass or mortify me with nice comments! I’m trying to give these nice thoughts to all of you! Take it! Shine! Be beautiful! 
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