These are the words my brother Len spoke often to his wife….
These are the words that she recalled as we spent time together the week after he died…
These are the words that bring a smile to her face, a tear to her eyes and peace to her heart….
Life was full and busy for Len and Marcia with four kids….
Marcia spent many hours volunteering at school, running kids or coordinating community events…..
Len loved and valued her energy for their family, their kids and their community….
And so his words, YOU DO GOOD WORK, were words of blessing, affirmation, appreciation and gratitude….
Tonight I watched my sister-in-law, a widow of just over three weeks, care for her 14-year-old son in the hospital. She kept a smile on his face as he deals with not being able to communicate due to strep, mono, double ear infection, tonsillectomy and adenoids that are pressing on his sinuses. She hasn’t left the hospital since Sunday….
I noticed again
her strength, her tenderness, her stamina, her determination, her resolve, her sorrow, her compassion. her love, her beauty….
And so tonight Marcia, I reminded you as I hugged you good-bye, you do good work. I believe it in all of my being. In the days ahead when life feels hard, hear Len’s words and hold them dear to your heart. Love you so much!
PS. If you know someone who does good work, don’t forget to bless them with words that communicate to them that you notice. May we all be generous in our words of kindness to those who surround us!