MQ

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.
Helen Keller

Life is not easy. There are times you can lose track of the bigger picture: who you are, what you stand for, what you believe in. When the earth shifts, it's easy to lose your balance. We all have moments like these, moments where we feel a bit foreign, even to ourselves. In such times it's often critical to have a good friend or family member who will not judge, but merely remind you of the value you bring to this world, of the unique something that you add to it.

It often troubles me to think that there are people out there who do not have this social fabric to keep their hearts warm when it gets cold outside. Because regardless of whether or not they have this recognition, it does not change the fact that we all add that little something extra to the world. Recognized or not, the beacon of humanity still loses something when one of it's lights grows dim, or falls out.

MQ, you called me to tell me you were considering suicide. I know only a small part of how difficult things have been for you, I see a great deal more in your face. I hope you feel better after chatting today. And however unlikely, I hope that, some day, you stumble upon this tiny, unknown blog post of mine. I hope you see what a difference you have made in just one person's life. If nothing else, I want you to know how my life might turn out without you in it, if I tried to do what you do. Just consider ten small things...

1. I would not be witness to the incredible pride of workmanship you demonstrate every day.
2. I would have no idea what's it's like to have more brothers than the population of China.
   
3. I would smash more innocent fingers under the face of my hammer.
4. I would curse at more things I don't understand how to fix, but try to anyway.
5. I would scare off considerably more children with the kind of frustrated expressions that comes from me breaking the very things I am trying to repair.
6. I would have no one to steal interior design ideas from.
   
7. I would have no one to translate what an increasing number of these applicants are try to say to me.
   
8. I would do all the work myself and have less time to spend with close family and friends.
9. I would be so busy doing what I don't enjoy, I might miss out discovering what I really do.
10. I would have no one who appreciates the value of Boston Market after a long day on the job.

There are countless things you do, that I and countless others, will never comprehend. Skills and abilities that are a mystery to everyone but you. They are your gift. You can keep your gift to yourself or share it with the world. Your choice. I hope some day you understand this. If you can have this great an impact on someone at your lowest point, how great an impact can you have on this world at your best?

Just find it, friend.