I think we all have days and weeks where we feel that our live is stressful and overly complicated. I worry about getting my readings done, making my sales goals at work, folding all of the jeans so that they line up perfectly on the right side, keeping my house clean, and walking my dogs so they don't get fat. But does it really matter?
I had a very special, very beautiful girl come shopping in my store today. Keely is 14, and she was granted a special gift by the Make a Wish Foundation. What was it that she wanted more than a trip or a concert? She wanted to go shopping at American Eagle. All she wanted was to be able to get out and be a normal teenager.
This girl has had more challenges and hurdles than I've had in my lifetime. It tears me apart that this polite, sweet girl is living with the pain and fear that comes with her cancer. When she came in she had a huge smile on her face, and asked if someone would have a little bit of time to help her find some cute clothes for school...all she wanted was to look cute for school.
Of course we all dropped the menial tasks that we were completing to help her, she was just that wonderful. But I couldn't stop but think about how lucky I was, how I get to go home to my husband and two dogs. I thought about how wonderful my time with Ken has been and how we get to have children in the future. There are so many things that she'll never get the chance to do, but all she wanted was to feel beautiful. She truly is.
There are these points in our life where we have to look inside. I've been sitting up for hours not knowing why I can't sleep. But I know now. It's because I want to give her just a little bit of what I have. A little more time. A little more hope. A little more.
I think Keely did more for me than I did for her. All I did was sell her some jeans and tops. She put my life in perspective. She helped me see what matters. Thank you Keely, you're in my prayers, and you're amazing.
In a million years I don't think you could replicate exactly the episode you described here, but your words captured the emotion and importance perfectly. Thank you for sharing Renee.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, thanks for sharing, this blog is sincere, and touching. This post has me sitting back and saying..."What exactly is it that I am worried about again?"
ReplyDeleteThanks.
This is such a lovely story, and you really did a wonderful job in expressing it. It's so interesting that we always just want things to be smiple, and that really showed in your telling of this precious story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic story! Isn't it awesome when people come into our lives, even if only for a moment, and end up turning us on our heads?
ReplyDeleteAs everyone has said, I think this post is absolutely touching. It makes me think that my stress over getting my first speeding ticket is trivial in comparison to what others are going through. We all need to take things in perspective and be thankful for what we do have.
ReplyDeleteGreat post with a great message, Renee!
This is a great post about how each of our lives truly only matters in the ways in which it touches another person. Our connectedness is the best thing we have.
ReplyDeleteI love that you were able to see how beautiful a young girl with cancer can be, that you were moved by her. That is truly a special thing to behold.