Last night I was speaking with a woman who helps me around the house once a month. Our conversation got me thinking about just how much she means to me. Yes, I am a believer in treating everyone as equals and that in the spirit of reciprocity, it is important to value each relationship on an even playing field. But this goes beyond that. I have known this woman since I was five years old. I know, that’s literally almost four decades ago – yikes! And yet, our conversation had me thinking of the richness the past years have brought our relationship, instead of how old we’ve become.
Thinking back, my family went on vacation with her family. We even stayed at her foreign property. That was maybe 30 years ago. Around 10 years ago, she fell ill, and my family took care of her until a member of her family was available. She has helped me when moving. We have shared with her and her family during special occasions, watched her children grow, as she has me, and shared more coffees than I can remember.
At the root of it all, yes, she helps me a lot and on a regular basis. I invite her into my home each month, and she is generous and kind every time. She holds a place in my life that is very special and on more than one occasion she has said that I’m like a daughter to her. And when we were talking about life in her home country before moving to Canada, and how she met her husband, I am reminded of the value she brings to my life.
So, this is what I ask of you: think about those people in your life who have been a fixture for many years. Consider the depth of your conversations, the complexity of your relationship, and the value these people bring to your life.
