Amazing

My daddy was so appreciative of everything I did for him.  I can't tell you how many times he gave me a hundred dollar bill just because "you do so much around here."   I would always say, "Daddy, you don't have to pay me.  You gave me life and raised me.  That's enough."  But he would always persist.  

The last weekend he was at home, before he went into the hospital for the last time, I don't even remember what all I had done.  I am sure it had something to do with errand running, cleaning, or cooking.  I got done with whatever it was that I was doing, and I walked into daddy's room to tell him I was done and would be leaving soon, and he looked at me, smiled and said, "you are amazing, you know that?"  Those words are emblazoned on my mind.  Amazing?  I don't feel amazing...ever.  I often feel like, no matter how much I do, or how hard I work, I never get EVERYTHING done.  I always feel like I could have done more and I am never done.   I am sure that I did nothing super amazing that day, but to my daddy, I was.  I will forever remember him telling me that and will continually strive to be what my daddy saw me as.  

It's all in your perspective.  Sometimes things that seem so small to you are amazing to others.  Small acts of kindness.  A smile.  A touch.  A hug.  Some people don't even take the time to appreciate these simple things in life.  They require no money, yet to someone in need, are priceless.  I realize, now, that it wasn't any one thing I did.  It was simply that Daddy appreciated everything I did.  He was really the amazing one.  Such perspective on life is amazing these days when so many people only appreciate gifts that are materialistic.  

So, Daddy....you know what?  You are amazing.   I mean it.  Amazing!  Wish I had told you sooner.