One Word

I stroll down the wide dock at the WL Yacht Club with one small, sticky hand in mine, the result of an ice cream cone gone out of control, and ponder the question Katie just introduced: Explain Mary in one word. I don't hesitate: Strong will. We move on to Katie and she beams: Dreamer. Now what about Miss Stephenie? A moment of thoughfullness, then Mary bursts: Giving! Katie's eyes light up in agreement. I'm stunned. That wouldn't have been the word I would use to describe myself, but to them it fits me perfectly. I would have expected the word caring, or something like it. I guess I do give my time, my advice, my love, my help, my patience. I give of mysef and they know it.

The little things that we do really don't go unnoticed. Our everday lives and presence create a solid (yet invisible) essence of who we are. It remains apart from outward appearance, it is the inner person. It's the person others grow close to, fall in love with, learn to respect, miss when we're away. It is the person that will remain long after our physical body has expired from this world.

Relationships are like mirrors: They allow you to see yourself more clearly.