by Joyce Sibthorpe
Have you ever reflected on how much you owe to people who have influenced your life at various times and stages? It is not something I often do – life is lived, for the most part, in the now! However, it is good to remember and to give thanks.
During a short break I read a fictional book called, “Five people you meet in heaven.” Each of the five people influenced the writer’s life – some good, some bad. As the central character in the book meets each in turn he is able to reflect on their part in his life, to gain understanding and to be thankful.
I have been writing about incidents in my childhood which has caused me to remember with gratitude people who have influenced me. They probably didn’t know it at the time, and as far as they were concerned, didn’t think about what they were doing – they just did it!
There was a neighbour who taught me to do a job properly. “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well”, she said, as she made me iron the corners of the handkerchief again!
There was an aunt who had her own daughter and husband to care for as well as a busy social life – but she always welcomed me into her home. Sometimes, I would arrive before her daughter woke up and yet she always made room for me. I question – would I have been as welcoming?
I thought about the teacher who saw the hurt inside me rather than my rebellious behaviour and accepted me and made an important contribution towards my ability to change.
Many of the people I found myself remembering have died – but what of those who are still alive – but have never heard me express my thanks for their friendship, trust, encouragement and many other things.
Let us be of the company of people who encourage each other and are genuinely thankful for each other. We, British, so often ‘think good things’ but fail to communicate them. I love the way Americans have been encouraged to affirm one another.
So today, a big thank you to all of you who have so often encouraged me, believed in me, and expressed it.
Thank you.
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