Forever Grateful
May 31, 2006
Being grateful is foundational to my essence. Every day we receive so much from our world and at every opportunity it seems that we should take a few moments to give thanks. When we rely on others, as we do in our communities and on our campus, it seems to me that we should be thankful and make note of what we've received.
My mother always seemed intrigued by my need and drive to be grateful. She would say, "I don't know where she learned how to write thank you notes, because I certainly never do that!" Interestingly, it was my mother who taught me all about being gracious, and although I manifest my gratitude by writing notes or sending e-mails, it was my mother's constant caring, love and affection that helped me learn that being grateful for all of life's opportunities was essential to building strong communities and relationships with others. She exuded gratitude, but her gratitude showed itself through her unconditional love and by always giving of herself to others before she met her own needs. She was called "saintly" by many of my friends, and I really cannot imagine a more giving person than my mom. Her gift to me was to show me that gratitude and caring about others is critically important to happiness and well-being.
Sometimes my friends joke with me and tell me, "Okay, you really don't need to send me a thank you note!" They know that I enjoy the ribbing about that but they also know that they will still receive a note or an e-mail or a call. Perhaps my need to act on my gratitude is a little bit compulsive; on the other hand, because gratitude is so important to me, I cannot fathom not showing my thanks.
So, what am I grateful for today? Being alive, enjoying the glorious day, being happily married, being involved in the life of UC Davis, being able to try to solve a problem or two, having great friends, being able to travel, serving my community -- just a few things that come to mind quickly and easily.
And a few last words to conclude...thanks so much for taking the time to read this essay!