I Love You Enough

[Paulie]

An e-mail I got from a relative who is a member of clergy:

 

Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. The airline had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, "I love you. I wish you enough."

 

She in turn said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy."

 

They kissed and she left.

 

He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

 

"Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me. So I knew what this man was experiencing. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?," I asked.

 

"I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead, and the reality is, the next trip back will probably be for my funeral," he said.

 

"When you were saying good-bye I heard you say, "I wish you enough. May I ask what that means?"

 

He began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from many generations, my parents used to say it to everyone." He paused for a moment. Looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more. "When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them," he continued, and then turning toward me he shared the following:

 

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

 

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish enough "Hellos" to get you through the final "Good-byes."

 

He then walked away.

 

I wish you enough... I think too often we expect our lives to be perfect; taking for granted all of the "inconveniences" that come our way. We were never promised a perfect life. Hiding within even difficult events are disguised blessings which help develop character and clarify spirit. Without pain, joy would not be evident.

 

And So my dear friend, I WISH YOU ENOUGH - THIS BLESSED CHRISTMASTIME

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

[Crystal]

that was sweet and tender and touching and thank you for sharing that that was nice of you.

An e-mail I got from a relative who is a member of clergy: Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments And So my dear friend, I WISH YOU ENOUGH - THIS BLESSED CHRISTMASTIME

[venus]

Absolutely beautiful message Paulie! I sent this to everyone in my e-mail address book, and have received many wonderful responses. Thank you for such a touching contribution!