Priceless People

The truth is that ALL people are priceless.  They cannot be ranked in value because each falls into its own category: you!  The uniqueness of each individual promises that there will never be another who is equipped with the same values, weaknesses, strengths, learnings, experiences, etc. There are not two yous.  There are not two mes.  We are unique and this... is beautiful!

However, the unfortunate truth is that we often forget that there is value which is invisible.  Most people are, to us, invisible.  We have never met them, we have never had the chance to get to know them, and we never will.  We live on islands in this life.  We let in whoever we choose.  Everyone else is an outsider.

Although I want to now write about the importance of letting others in, I will refrain, for that isn’t my purpose in sitting here in the airport with my keyboard.  My purpose is to write about the Jackies of life.

Do you remember that best friend from elementary school?  The one that waited for you before going into the school, looked for you at lunch time, played with you at recess, remembered you and valued you?  Together you were unstoppable because you had each other.  Sorrows seemed less sorrowful, joy seemed more joyful, happy was more exuberant, adventure more daring AND simultaneous less frightening, etc..   That type of friend (the one that embodies joy and love and hope and support) is Jackie.

I’ve had a handful of really amazing friends in my life.
I am spoiled by love and support by many.
I love these people.  I love people!

However, there is something sweetly unique about people in my life like Jackie.  Maybe it is that she understands parts of my upbringing that nobody else gets?  Or maybe it is her total and brutal open honesty about each broken moment of life?  Or maybe it is her drive to push through the hard days and wake anew in the morning?  Maybe again, it is her enjoyment of adventure, exploration, the great outdoors, hiking, mountains, and fresh air?   Or...perhaps it is simply the fact that our prime of life was spent trotting through the streets of Seoul together that makes her so dear to heart.

Whatever it is for you that pulls you towards another person: appreciate them for it.  People are marvelous.  Let them in.  They have depth which is vast and hearts that are softer the deeper you invest.  People are worth holding onto, even from afar...and especially if their name is Jackie.

Jackie,
I am so thankful for your kind heart, excitable soul and adventurous, driven spirit.
Blessed to have ever met you Jackie!
Blessed to continue to know you.
Blessed to be known by you, and called a friend :)



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