At the time, I was in an audit committee meeting for the bank, so I skimmed over it without pausing. But after the meeting, I let the words sink in. That simple note carried incredible meaning, particularly as I’ve been reflecting on my brother’s life.
Earlier, I shared that someone close to me had chosen to approach life’s end on their own terms. What I didn’t share is that it’s my brother, who is now in hospice and actively dying. Since he shared this with me, I’ve been sitting with him, recording some of his reflections. He always wanted his story to help other kids growing up like we did, to choose a different path.
In our conversations, he admitted he never thought he’d make it to 50. And while that may still be true for him, this year I, a foster kid, did reach that milestone. It’s a bittersweet reminder of how elusive this milestone can feel for so many from the environment we grew up in.
The gratitude expressed in that message today triggered something in me: a deep appreciation for a life I’ve often felt I had no claim to. Gratitude shows up in the smallest moments, like a note from a friend, reminding me that even in hard times, there is so much to be thankful for.