Blue Ridge Country - November/December 2019 - 9

MILL CREEK STORIES
bored. Mrs. Davenport, Mrs. Flippen, and Mrs. Thornton,
you will always be remembered as my best cheerleaders.
Thank you.
I am grateful for the people who show kindness to
strangers, even itty bitty kindnesses. Whether you over
tip, hold a door open, say "Good morning," let someone
in a hurry cut in front of you in line, or give money to
someone down on their luck, you rock. You're right, it's
not much but it still makes a huge difference. Kindness
does indeed matter, and I appreciate your efforts.
And speaking of kindness towards strangers, I want to
recognize people who compliment strangers for no good
reason. Telling someone that you love their hair, or that
the color they're wearing looks great on them, makes a
difference in their day. What would happen if everyone
of us got one surprise compliment a day? How much taller would we all stand? Thank y'all for taking opportunities to spread goodwill.
Y'all know me, you know I'm thankful for dogs. I have
learned more about love and loyalty from dogs than from
any human. I have learned more about living a happy life
from dogs than from any human. I have learned how to
love without speaking from dogs, and often that is exactly what is needed. No one trying to advise or fix, just
someone who will sit with you while you're struggling. A
loving, gentle presence, reassuring you that you are not
alone is a powerful thing and I aspire to give the type of
love I have received from dogs.

I want to say thank you to those who notice and fix
problems anonymously. Too often, I have seen people do
a good deed then wait for recognition. What's the motivation there? That feels a tad slimy to me. But people who
do the right thing because it needs doing, I adore those
people. Growing up, it made a huge impact on me to see
crops get harvested, hay get baled, and gardens get picked
and canned for the winter, while someone was hospitalized and not able to do it for themselves. That kind of
"we're all in this together" attitude feels as rare as a Dodo
bird these days and I will always admire it. Country karma at its best.
I am grateful for volunteers. No one has spare time.
No one. Yet you work for your cause, giving time, money,
and your insight to try to make the community better. I
am in awe of what volunteers can accomplish. Blessed are
the volunteers, because they know they can change the
world. Thank you.
I am indebted to all that is good in the world, all the
tiny flickers of light in the dark. I am grateful for everything that gives me hope. I appreciate everyone who notices struggle and steps in to help. Gratitude and kindness
thrive together, and it's a pleasure to see them blossom.
So, when you're sitting down to your holiday meals
this year please understand that I am thankful for you.
Thank you for giving me your attention. Thank you for
supporting my column. Thank you for your neighborliness. Thank you for being in my corner. Thank you all.

Located in the heart of Historic Abingdon, VA
142 E. MAIN STREET, ABINGDON, VIRGINIA - Located in the heart of the historic district on a tree-lined street, this Federal style home
built in 1836 is near the Barter Theatre, Martha Washington Inn, and Washington County Court House. The house has been completely
renovated with meticulous care. Among the outstanding features is the New Orleans style courtyard complete with fountain, Bevolo gas
lanterns, and balconies overlooking the brick patio. One's privacy is protected by brick walls, a three car garage and historic guest house.

Visit SothebysRealty.com or call the listing agent below to learn more.

423-646-5554

CONTAC T: Loretta Trayer
1900 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk, N. C. 28604

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

http://www.SothebysRealty.com http://www.SothebysRealty.com

Blue Ridge Country - November/December 2019

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