Intangible Gifts

She died, having lived many wonderful years. Three generations of family, friends, and acquaintances came to see her, some from down the street and others from across the nation. They all spoke highly of her, having much of the same sentiments to share.

She made them laugh with her constant humor. She taught them to live, to smile and to love. She taught them to never hold grudges or to retaliate against those who do them wrong. Most of all, she taught them how to treat others.

Everyone commented on the kindness she showed them, each time they walked through the door. Of how she treated each visit, even if it was an everyday occurrence. as if it was the first in years. They all mentioned the big hugs they would get, and how she always made them feel special.

She never pointed out their flaws or mistakes, but instead she cheered them on, encouraging them to keep trying. Every project that others attempted was well done in her eyes, even when it wasn’t. She was an encourager and a lover of people.

Countless days she spent helping others; people she knew and those she didn’t. She was a giver. She brought a smile to all those she spoke to. Her character lit up the room and lit up the lives of those she touched.

Everyone loved her, because she loved everyone, and she showed it. Throughout her life she gave priceless gifts to all those she knew; gifts that will never grow old or fall apart. The gifts that she gave are intangible, but the most meaningful of them all.

She made everyone feel special, appreciated, and loved. That’s what they remembered the most. Her lessons, her goodness, and her compassion carry on, and is evident in the lives of those she left behind. What a beautiful person she was. A person we can all learn from, even now.

How do we make people feel?  How will we be remembered? What intangible gifts will we leave behind?

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou