Monday, September 9, 2013

All the Difference in the World

Somewhere I read a story. It was a long time ago so I don't quite remember it but it went more or less like this.

There was a boy once. After a storm he walked along the beach, picking up shells and starfish the tides had washed over the sand and he returned them to the sea. Hours passed and he realized he had returned very few, compared to the number of those that still remained along the beach.

Disheartened, he turned to his father. "I quit," he said. "Look at the beach, it's pointless! There are so many no one would say I've spent so much time here already.  I am really not making any difference."

The father placed his hand on his son's head. "For the ones you're helping, it makes all the difference in the world."

****

I've received many gifts from this community since I started my blog. E-books, Amazon Cards, paper books, music, a tablet... I have already thanked the givers at the moment I received the gifts. Yet on Friday I got the autographed Audiomachine CD, "Tree of Life". It was the prize for my collaboration in the Branching Out Collaborative Writing Challenge hosted by awesome Samantha Geary. As I listened to this amazing CD, I thought on all the gifts I received up to this one. I thought on the people who had sent them to me, the moment they arrived to my life and how they have impacted my life at one time or another.

Anybody would think they are just books, or music, or a tablet. So what's special in them? I'm surely not the only one who has these items or the only one who has received something from these people. Most likely those who sent them to me have absolutely no idea of the magnitude of my gratitude towards them. That's why I'm feeling the need to write this post. 

To the senders, these things represent exactly what they are. To me, they're marvels worth more than gold. They are more than entertainment. 

I appreciate the fact that the person took the time and effort to send it all the way to Mexico. I grin like an idiot as I read and re-read the few words that came along. Some didn't bring a personal note, but I have the person's thoughts and I hold on to that. Furthermore, if I would express in detail the impact of each of these gifts in my life, it would be a very long post. I would have to tell you about the item AND about the forces that were put in motion through those items. Each one has a story behind it and not precisely the one inside the pages (in the case of books).

Regardless what your eyes may tell you, what you see in the picture above is a wonderful painkiller and soul breather, a remedy for broken wings, a pack of love and hugs, a soul mirror, a tool for hope and faith, and a sign from Above. Each time I look at each one of these items, each time I hold them in my dragon hands, I cannot help but to think on the respective senders and thank them again and again in my heart. I pray to the Higher Powers each of them receive blessings of equal magnitude to the ones they unknowingly produced in my life. 

DPK, Alex, Laura, Mike, Sammy, Melissa, I want you to know that even if to you it was nothing, you made all the difference in the world to me.

To everybody I say this. Never be disheartened if you see there's still too much to do, or that you're doing too little and covering short distances. Or that you reach too few. You do make all the difference in the world in every single life you touch, even if you don't always get to see it or know it. It might be a slight gesture for you, but it still may work miracles for someone else. Even a kind smile has the power to save someone's life. Do not underestimate the good you can do, just because you don't see the effects. There is more in this world than what our sight can cover or our brain perceives.


46 comments:

  1. You are very welcome, Dragon, and thank you for this post. I'd glad I could make a difference in your life. We can't help it - the blogosphere was in dire need of a dragon. Thanks for flying in! :)

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    1. And of knights, Sir David. Hang in there and keep fighting the good fight. Dragon hugs!

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  2. Oh yes. The warmth and the wonder I have found here in the blogosphere has enriched my world. I am so very appreciative - and can only echo your post. Thank you, one and all.

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    1. It's awesome how the small details can make life better. :)

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  3. And the power of a dragon hug is a mighty one too.

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    1. Obviously I mean Beautiful there. Sorry early morning here and eating breakfast at same time.

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    2. Hahaha, I got the idea, Suzanne. Thank you!

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  5. Such a beautiful post Al!
    And yes, never underestimate the power of giving, in many different forms... whether it be a kind word... a small gift... a minute or two of your time... you never know the impact it has on the recipient's life.
    Writer In Transit

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    1. Yes, Michelle. I already knew it but it is until now that I fully understand the whole thing. :)

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  6. Very true, a little kindness goes a long way.

    mood
    Moody Writing

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  7. As my wife always says, it's the little things that matter, and a small gesture on our part ripples into something much bigger.
    And I am very thankful that it meant so much to you.

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    1. You know a lot of what your gift meant to me. It's still rippling the water. :)

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  8. I learned a long time ago to never think of any gesture as small or unimportant as I've felt the power on a personal level. I'm thrilled I could make a difference in your life, just as you've made an enormous impact on mine. Dragon power and bolitas!

    River
    aka Laura

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    1. Your heart makes all the difference! You're very loved at the Cave. Dragon hugs and a big bolita with all the dwarves!

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  9. A butterfly flaps its wings on one side of the world causing a big wind on the other side. Small kindnesses or thoughtful acts cause ripples which spread the same way. I am glad you have found so much through the blogging community. It is amazing how friendship spreads in this blogosphere of ours. Meeting Jeff today is one instance of friendship. Might even get to meet L. Diane Wolfe, fingers crossed. Will be specially thinking of you dragon when meeting your knight.

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    1. Yes, pretty much the butterfly effect. Thank you, Jo. Please give him a dragon hug in my name. It really doesn't matter you're not a dragon. The friendship is what matters. :)

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  10. Al,

    I had heard your intro story before (and you told it almost verbatim to the way I heard it—good memory), and I try to keep that philosophy working in my life. Yes, we make a difference in every life we touch, but we feel so alone in the world, as if none of it matters. It's good to hear that it does.

    You are a very special dragon with a heart of gold. People recognize that and want to be near you. Never forget that. Times can be difficult. We may even pull away, feeling undeserving of the love (I know I do), but they wait by the sidelines until we're ready to rejoin. At least the good ones do.

    Thanks for throwing this starfish back in the water. It was getting awfully dry out there. You are a blessing to all who meet you.

    M.L. Swift, Writer

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    1. Are we going through the same thing or you just got to sneak a camera in the dragon cave? Geez, Mike, you make me smile and you also put an inexplicable mist in my eyes. Your second paragraph just hit the nail. Our gratitude is mutual then. Never doubt you're a blessing too.

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  11. What a lovely, thoughtful, thankful post. You are blessed to have friends like these.
    Tina @ Life is Good

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    1. Many special people I'll never forget, including those I didn't mention. Dragon hugs, Tina.

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  12. I always love reading your post. glad you were uplifted by this community, it is truly and amazing one. As long as we have our dragon around that is gift enough.

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    1. I'm humbled, Brandon. Thanks for being part of this cherished community! :)

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  13. I love the story preceding the story, as well as the actual story. All acts of love and kindness are always worth the time. Just because we don't know exactly how it works out matters not. For that person who is on the receiving end of the love... it is everything.

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    1. I've been on the receiving end many times and it is just amazing that it is until now that I kind of fully understand the miracle. Shame on me but never late than never. ;) Dragon hugs!

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  14. I really believe that we interact with the divine (God) daily and God with us. The gifts, thoughts, hugs, encouragement, affirmations are delivered intentionally in our lives. If our spirits are open, I think we will give back to others, just when they need it most too. Or at least that's been my experience. I'm so glad you have felt all the positives from the writing community. Good folks out there. Just like you.

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    1. Dragon hugs!!! Indeed, God is always in contact with me, it's just that sometimes the dragon is deaf and blind and not always sees it. Luckily as well, sometimes people get in themselves to poke me until I realize God's message.

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  15. Some wonderful gifts there. You received them when you needed them most.

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  16. Um, you won an iPad? I really gotta enter more contests. :P

    Okay, smart assery out of the way, that was a very touching post. The blogosphere of writers is a very generous group, and it's amazing how connected people become through these daily/weekly/monthly writings. :))

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    1. Yes, amazing considering before I joined the community, I never got anything. My luck must be changing. If I could, I would give the writer community a massive dragon hug. But my arms are not big enough.

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  17. Ah gifts! I've received a number of them myself, and I'm eternally grateful for the windfall. Nice to be a part of, lol.

    ......dhole

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    1. And a very nice, kind and sweet part of it you are!! Place of honor in my list. :)

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  18. The little things can make a huge difference. I too am grateful for the kindness I've receieved and return it out into the world the best I can. It's a wonderful feeling making others smile. And the writing community never ceases to amaze me. (:

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    1. We see proof of love everyday, don't we? Amazing supportive folks here.

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  19. So true. Even the smallest of actions and gifts can make a big difference if it's done out of love.

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    1. And sometimes we know and sometimes we don't, but that shouldn't matter. The important thing is the loving intention. :)

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  20. I couldn't agree more FD...

    The beautiful thoughts and words from my blogger friends during my recuperation since my accident has really helped me mentally and physically. Even as I type with a cast, I know the healing continues. I have many more weeks to go, but knowing that I have this wonderful community of thoughtful, caring friends, makes each day a bit easier for me.

    I know EXACTLY how you feel!!!!

    Hugs.

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    1. It could not be any other way, since we are the artist brothers at heart, right? I give credit to all that support and love in the achieving of my miracle. Definitively, it counted in getting my health back. Thoughts and prayers and good wishes have more power than we realize. I'm glad you're on the mend. Dragon hugs, my creative brother.

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  21. Excellent post, Al.
    Hugs to the dragon. :)

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  22. It just goes to show how much greatness is in this community. Loved that they made you happy and love your words of inspirations!

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  23. Nice message, Father Dragon. Sometimes it really does feel pointless. Then something comes along to let us know it's not. How are the dwarves doing?

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  24. My first day back from a loooong vacation and it makes me giddy, reading this, knowing how much the Tree of Life has meant to you:) I think you should take it as a sign of your skill and continue to do what you love, my friend! You're on the right path, with the right people by your side!

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  25. Hi Al .. the butterfly effect, the starfish saved is but one, but that starfish will make someone smile and that smile will spread around the world ... especially with the dragon hug awaiting in the wings ... cheers Hilary

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