I read all your responses to my post about my young lad with autism and I can't believe
- or begin to tell you -
just how much your comments affected me.
I was in tears.
Literally.
Partly because so many of you "get" what I'm attempting to do, but there's also a part of me that feels like I'm being praised for, or congratulated for, something that, to me anyway, is no big deal.
It isn't worthy of praise.
I guess it's just my upbringing and the way I was raised, more than anything else.
See, I was brought up in a Quaker household.
My family have been Quakers ... practicing Quakers, since the 1630's.
The Underground Railroad... the Boxer Rebellion... Those weren't just history lessons to me.
My ancestors gave their lives for causes such as these.
They felt that good works should be done, not to bring merit to those who performed them, but because our Lord - and our salvation, plainly requires it .
It was for them - as it is for me today... a way of life.
We're ALL on this earth to do the best we can and to get through life in one piece, without doing any harm to others.. and to hopefully leave the world a better place.
All I'm trying to do, is to do the best that I can do...
And hopefully, humbly help others to do the same thing.
To help them be the best that they can be.
I am NOT special in any way.
My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
~Clarence Budinton Kelland.
I'm going to post this and then walk away, before I have a chance to delete it...
Because I'm sure feeling right now that I've probably given you a little too much unnecessary information... and that I've bared my soul just a little bit more than I feel comfortable with.
But I think that y'all deserve an explanation, so that you can understand why I feel a little uncomfortable with your praise.
I appreciate it, but really... I'm not worthy of it.
16 comments:
You deserve it! You really do!
I agree my friend. It's about doing what we can do and leaving the world a better place. At the end of the day though, you should feel proud of who you are and you should accept our praise and compliments. Not everyone can do what you do Tatersmama. Without you our world would be a lot drabber. We all need a little shit and plum jam in our lives.
I think you're gorgeous ... and I haven't met you yet!
The world would be a much better place if others felt as you do! We should all try to help others whenever they need it.
I am glad you purchased the book (Savory Memories). However, if you did want to borrow it-- I would be happy to send it to you. No Joke! One of my most favorite authors of all time is Hannah Whithall Smith. She wrote the God of all Comfort and her writings are a blessing! She was a Quaker. Also, there was a great biography written about her and I let someone borrow it. They never returned it. Now, see why I don't lend out books very often?
i still think you are pretty awesome!!
Poppycock. You are special!
Ah, but don't you see, it's because you are the way you are that you are so special. You've made the world a bit brighter for a child, and in doing so, made a difference that will ripple on. Well done.
Love the title you've chosen for this post. And I love you're philosophy. You know a little story comes to mind about being special or not. When I finished my graduate degree and my family and I were taking pics after the ceremony at the University, my dad was congratulating me. I told him that it really wasn't a big deal and that anyone could have done it. His response was a good one. He said, "Yes, but not everyone does, that's why it's special". ....and that is why YOU are special... because not just anyone can do what you do. It definitely takes a special person.
I just read your previous post, and actually, it made me smile, and even laugh a little bit. You have my admiration for taking on this boy, and I am so happy that you have made a difference in his life!
You make a difference in this little boy's life and I bet to him you are special.
Not everyone can do what you are doing and I agree with all the other lovely comments that have been left for you. You deserve to be praised.
Have a lovely weekend and stay cool. (47C here today)
Best wishes to you Tatersmama,
Tania
We're all special in our own way. Me, I'm special ed, could probably use some of your help, but special none the less...
O TM....
It feels scary to reveal parts of ourselves that, even though we're in this bare-all (supposedly) world, there are still LOTS of parts we wonder if we should show and some we never will. I'm so glad to find this out about you because that means we're actually becoming friends, not just blogging buddies.
I would LOVE to hear more about your Quaker roots. I bet you have some fascinating stories to tell.
As for the boy? I know you don't do it for praise. So does everyone else here. That's why we love you. ((((hugs)))) and I'm a SERious hugger.
Tatersmama,
Knowing a little more about your background just gives us better insight and perspective when we read your posts. I feel a greater kinship to you now and we've never even met!
My elementary and high school education were in Mennonite Schools, and one of my dear college teachers was a Quaker, so don't be afraid to bare your soul just a little. You'll find you have a lot more in common with some of us than you imagined!
I think you are one very special lady and I really enjoy reading your posts!
Help...Help me Tatersmama...My Percy has been dognapped. It's true. Please ask your readers to come over to my place, and to see the ransome note with their very own eyes. Then they can go to the dognappers site (cliffdevries.blogspot.com), and see and read about the horrible things that have happened to my poor boy and then to leave comments begging, for his safe and timely return (along with some fresh bagels and cheesecake to ease my troubled soul.)
Thank you o wise one down under...I know that you will come to my aide in my time of need.
So you come from a long line of goodness.
You know what? I've come to the conclusion that I SURROUND myself with goodness... right here on this blog !
Each and every one of you is special, in my eyes!
God is good, eh?
Post a Comment