It's the little things...

Over the years, I've watched my mother reach out to others in little ways -- helping old ladies across the street; saying thank you to the bus driver; asking someone how they're doing and caring to hear the real answer; inviting someone sitting alone at church on Christmas day over for Christmas dinner.  I guess I've internalized a lot of these habits, but never really thought about what a difference these seemingly small gestures can make until now.

I am in the process of moving back to "the states" after close to a decade living in the Caribbean, and as a result, I found myself "alone" on Christmas. Even though I was invited to countless different celebrations with friends and family, they were all too far away to attend.  At the last minute, I was invited to a lovely dinner that saved me from a depressing holiday, and I am grateful for the invitation.  Thanks Laura!

And then today, another little angel arrived in the form of a Facebook message.  A friend from another time in my life, who I'm not really in contact with, knew through Facebook that I am in the process of this big move and reached out.  Here's her note:

I was thinking about you and how you must be having a hard time adjusting to States life from PR. I know I did!! My thoughts on moving and the metaphor I use:

Re-potting a plant. When you first re-pot a plant, it goes into shock. It droops, it looks really sad. But once the roots start to adjust to the new soil, it starts to grow again. And before you know it, it's flourishing.
You will flourish soon.

XOXO,

I thought it was so sweet of her to think of me and make the effort to send a little note.  It's the little things that make a difference!