This is a story about me. It is a story that I have lived with for as far back as I can remember. When I was growing up, we did not have a lot of money. But, we did have a lot of love in our family. I grew up with a wonderful man who became my father when I was six years old. The next few years he and my mother gave me three precious gifts; my two sisters, Donna Lee and Emma Mary, and one brother, Lee. We lived on a farm with no heat in our upstairs and no indoor plumbing. When I think back, it was a wonderful time; even though we did not have much.
At an early age, I noticed that when a family member or a cat, a dog or anything on our small farm was hurt or Mom and Dad cried over a loss, I would be crushed. I would cry because I knew they were hurting. I cried when they were joyous or when something wonderful happened to them as well. When family and friends were happy, it felt as if my heart would jump right out of my chest.
It is not uncommon for me to laugh out loud or sigh when a character in a book found happiness or something wonderful happened in their lives. On the other hand, If there was a lot of sadness or someone lost a loved one, in the book I was reading or the movie I was watching, the tears streamed down my face. To this day, I have to leave the room if my husband is watching a war movie or if someone is killed in a television show. He is constantly reminding me that is just a show and it is not real. I know in my mind that the actors are just doing their jobs, but it continues to bother my heart.
Over the years, I have been called a Pollyanna. I must admit that it does not bother me. It actually makes me more determine to try to make a difference each and every day. My grandmother once told me that it does not cost anything to smile. So, I smile; as much as I can to all those who pass me each day. Some smile back and some do not. But, I keep trying.
There is much more to this story but I will save that for another time. And now for the lesson…..
In this crazy world we live in, it seems that there is a lot of pain, a lot of not knowing what is going to happen, a lot of jealousy, a lot of those who have lost faith, and a lot of fear. You see the look of uncertainty in people you pass, impatience, not caring, and many who only think of themselves. There also seems to be a sense of entitlement with many of our younger folks.
You are probably thinking, ” What does this have to do with the story?” Well, I am here to tell you, ” Nothing really!” Except to say that being a Pollyanna is not a bad thing. In fact, I think it is a blessing that was given to me from above. If each one of us became a Pollyanna for just one day, think of the difference we could make. Not big changes, but little changes that might lead to greater ones. I believe with my whole being that most people have a very kind heart and just might be a Pollyanna behind doors. I also believe like me, there are folks who shed tears when wonderful things happen and when people are hurting.
I like me and I like helping others and making their lives easier; whether it be a smile, hug or a plate of cookies. I will never give up on trying to be the best person that I was created to be. Think about it; What is your heart trying to tell you? Become a Pollyanna and see how wonderful you feel. I promise your heart will thank you!
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