Our beginnings stay with us throughout our lives. It doesn't matter how far we travel from we start, those early memories and lessons go with us. Thousands of miles and decades away from my childhood there a pieces of that time that are alive and well. Graciousness in one of those pieces.
I was born and raised in the Southern United States where graciousness and hospitality are ingrained in the fabric of that culture. Sometimes those qualities are corrupted and manipulated but at their essence they help society be a be a better kinder place. When people take the moral high ground without blaming or accusations, when compassion is offered with sincerity, when simple courtesies are offered to everyone, when people are welcomed with a genuine smile, we all gain.
Today, to my delight, I discovered that those pieces have passed on to my children. I am visiting my young adult children who live in a far distant city. It is a pleasure and joy to be with them. Each time I am with them I marvel at their growing wisdom and maturity. Today I was struck by how gracious and kind they are with all they meet. Not only are they gracious and hospitable but so are the partners they have chosen. I am reminded of my grandparents and parents who passed these pieces on to me. They would be proud, as I am, of these children who are making a difference day by day in the world.
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