I'd Like To Thank....

I received a very warm and heartfelt thank you note from a family member Thursday. For her it has been a long and difficult year which, I really don't think could have been any worse. Her note reminded me of a couple of important points, especially good to keep in sight as we approach the end of another year.

One of the defining characteristics of any good family, and certainly of mine, is the group's willingness to never tire in coming together in the aid of one another. We've done it time and again in mine. My family of eight siblings has more than a generation's length from oldest to youngest. We live separate and active lives. Several of us live quite removed from the others. We don't each see eye to eye on religion. We don't each see eye to eye on politics. And yet, with all of those variables which could be so terribly divisive, we remain a bonded group, from first to last: interested, concerned and caring about one another. It's truly amazing and wonderful good fortune to be a part of such a family.

If you are fortunate to be a member of such a well connected, concerned and loving family, this might be a good time of year to make certain your siblings know just how lucky you feel to be a part of your family and to have them. If not genetic family, then maybe a community of friends or associates who function in much the same manner. Either way, this would be a good weekend to send a message or get on the phone. Don't assume they already know.

The other thing this letter did for me is it served as a reminder to say thank you. Most of us try to take time each year at the holidays to send a card and acknowledge the people and relationships, both personal and professional, that are important to us. But beyond that, this would be a good time to look back at 2011 and take inventory of all the special gifts we've received from others. During the course of a year there are those who have really come forward and contributed in a manner that has provided a particular and powerful good in our lives. Whether driven by your needs or simply the other person's desire to reach out to you, there are always those people who seem to step out each year and do the thing that confirms the good in humanity; the value in friendship. Whether only one person or several, this would be a very good time to say thank you and acknowledge the difference they made.  Even if you've said it once already, this is the perfect time to let them know, once more, how much you appreciate those who care about you.