A Thank You

I have always wondered at the mechanics of gratitude. It is a particularly trying dilemma when I feel, or know, that I am incapable of returning the kindness received. Attempts and failures to duly thank those incredible lives that have been placed into mine have led to the following realization, that every action holds the potential for two orders of dedication.

First, there is the direct recipient of the action. The soul on the other end of the hand we hold. Second, there is the indirect recipient. That is, the name in which we reach out our hand, or the recipient of that action's honor. With dual beneficiaries, each action may thus be given twice. My suspicion is that the latter beneficiary is equally, if not more, important than the former. I pray that I will come to understand the latter more intimately. And so, a thank you.

To that brilliant woman who has so often opened my eyes to the beauty and power of creativity, I dedicate my leadership in our creative arts program. To the man whose wisdom I cannot ignore, though he himself may be oceans away, who has dedicated his life to job creation, I dedicate my involvement with our budding business development program. Finally, for that angel of a woman I am blessed to call my mother, to whom I owe my nurturing and my life, I dedicate my role in our children's nutrition program, which provides oatmeal, milk, and vitamins to Chureca's malnourished children.

The immeasurable love I have been shown throughout my life may only begin to be paid tribute through reflecting that love forward. And so, it is with these dedications that I fully enter my year of service.