I read a magazine article this morning about favorite gifts received. The common ingredient that made them meaningful and memorable was the intention of the giver. The gifts were not expensive, for the most part; in fact some of them were just kind words or a well-intentioned action. The people sharing their stories were moved by the kind thoughtfulness of the gift giver.

Thinking along those lines, I remember thoughtfulness and generosity of so many friends and acquaintances in my life: friends who come to help pick grapes for the joy of participating in the harvest, an invitation to join in the vacation of a lifetime at the giver’s expense, a word from a flight examiner that set me upon my path to commercial aviation and so many offers of time and companionship, I am awestruck by the generosity I have experienced. I want to give in that way, to give and share from my heart, to be truly generous.

Iris