[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by bkcunningham1

I have a dear friend from back home in the coalfields who doesn't have a high school education but works everyday cleaning houses to make ends meet. Her husband died of cancer unexpectedly and very quickly four years ago. They didn't have health or life insurance. She has never accepted one penny of any sort of welfare or public assistance. I was talking to her just before Christmas and she was telling me how her grandson, who is living with her, and a group of teenagers in his ROTC, helped a needy family from those beautiful mountains.

She told me about how proud she was of him and how blessed she is and how much more she has than many, many people. Most of us, including myself, would consider her far, far below the poverty level. Not her. She's rich in her own eyes and the eyes of her grandson. I could cry thinking about how generous and beautiful she is and how much I've gained knowing her.

I don't mean to take anything away from the beautiful presentation. I think it is very thoughtful and should make each and every one of us thank God for our health and fortunes; whatever the amount and whatever we consider our wealth and fortune. It is certainly easy to forget that none of us has a promise of tomorrow and the true measure of a person isn't in his wallet.

Great post Brenda Kay.

A very wise man once told me: "Never compare yourself to others, as you find richer and poorer people. Only compare yourself, to where you are, and where you want to be".

If I have my health, I can always work for more money. If I don't have my health, then I am poor not so much in money but in one's spirit and love of life. One's friends will always sustain you, in times of trouble, by their generous spirit. At least my friends will.

Just my personal philosophy.