(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Have you ever done so much for other people that you don’t get your own to do list done? Recently, I was starting to feel I needed to take time for my own projects. Also, I thought I spent too much time on the phone calling to keep in touch with my friend or checking that they are OK. I may intend on short calls and they end up being close to an hour. (Big surprise, I like to talk and so do most of them.) Then I get answers.

Out of the blue a friend gave me a Thank You greeting card with a gift card enclosed. I asked what it was for. She said, “For all you do.” Wow, I was appreciated more than I realized. A few days later I came home to find a surprise box on my porch filled with fruit, nuts, crackers, and cheese. There was no name, just a “Thank You” and “Enjoy” inside. I tried to figure out who would have sent this. At the end of the day someone confessed to sending it. She told me how much she appreciates me, how she didn’t know what she would do without my friendship, and other touching sentiments.

Last week I wrote to you and told you about how a 3-year-old girl told her parents she wanted to go with me, a stranger, as we passed by each other at the grocery store. It touched me deeply.

I must have a guardian angel watching over me. Not only was I saved from death not long ago but when I started to get discouraged I was shown, without a doubt, I make a difference. My time is not wasted when I help others. Apparently, even young children, including my own wonderful grandchildren, see something inside me worth being around. I have many friends who care about me. I don’t mean to be boastful. I only tell you these things to let you know we are not alone. Times when you may become discouraged remember we are not all alone. You might need to reach out to someone or some service for help. You might not see an answer as easily and quickly as I did but your answer is out there. Call someone or go where there are people who know how to help. Reach out. Don’t ever forget, You Are Important. Your purpose in life may not be as clear as mine but the life of each and every one of us is important.

Until my next letter, be safe, be well, and know you are loved.

Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton

Vienna