November 4, 2010 

 It is with a somewhat hesitant excitement that I share I now have a new box atop my armoire! The existing box is filled with the remnants of a broken life and painful memories of an event that even now seems surreal. In that box are the pieces of that day I can’t bear to see but keep for when the children are ready for the truth.  It is sad, but it is our history and they have a right to know it.

My new box is going to be my happy box.  It was given to me by a very thoughtful friend. I have decided in it will go some of the sweeter things in life I want to keep close and look at often. They won’t replace the items in the other box but I’d like to think it will be much fuller than my ‘box of pain’. Certainly the gift itself is a powerful beginning.

It is actually a box that contained L’Occitane bath products.  I doubt the giver thought in these terms but as I am all about metaphors I think it is an interesting comment on my life; given the original contents are essentially about removing dirt, albeit in the most pleasant of ways.  The gift is about cleansing, soothing the spirit and softening the rough spots.  Emerging rested and peaceful and if you are into TaiChi, with a joyful and open heart.

It is amazing that a simple gesture of kindness and appreciation on one person’s part could have such a positive and profound effect on another’s.  One never knows how big the little things are.

“Gratitude is the heart’s memory”  

French Proverb