I’ve been meaning to write this
piece for a couple of weeks but being the procrastinator I am Thanksgiving Day
had to arrive, along with all the respective Facebook posts as reminders, for
me to finally take the time to do it. No excuses for extra delays, this post was
definitely past due!
I’ve said time and again that I
consider myself a very fortunate person for the life I’ve had: a great
childhood/adolescence surrounded by a loving family (a BIG one, as customary in
Latin American culture), as well as countless blessings in the form of amazing friends
(throughout the different stages of my life), unique learning experiences (both
at school and in life in general) and fascinating trips (probably the best schooling
anyone could get). Yet, there are circumstances that make me think and say to
myself: “Dang Mariela, you’re really SO blessed!”
I had one of those moments last
month, when my beloved Chaski (aka “My Main Means of Transportation”) decided
to take a break from its duties because of a problem with the transmission. Suddenly,
I found myself car-less, although I should have foreseen this happening to a
10-year old car. In any case though, this was not the ideal situation, especially
if you live in a city where public transportation is practically non-existent
and your office is 25+ miles from home. To make things worse, I had some trips
both personal and work-related that could not be cancelled happening at the
time.
Needless to say, I was in a state
of confusion: sad, upset, worried, undecided, etc. Throughout my ordeal,
however, everyone around me tried to help me in one way or another. A couple of
friends gave me rides to/from the airport, the car rental place, the mechanic
and yoga practice. I also got valuable advice on everything from whether I should
get my car fixed or just buy a new car to what to look for in a car and how to
negotiate if I decided to buy one, etc. One good friend (or should I call her
an angel?) even let me borrow her car for over a week so I could have more time
to make a decision!
Interestingly enough, not
everyone that helped me was super close to me before this happened. As a matter
of fact, some of these people I barely knew or were friends of friends. That
only made the whole thing more special to me…now not only I’m thankful for them
and their help but I believe more strongly than ever in the generosity of
people and the power of having a community. And just like that, life gave me
yet another priceless lesson on the importance of people in your life.
So, on this Thanksgiving Day, I
just want to conclude this post by saying that of all the blessings I have, you
people (my family as well as old and new friends, here in the US and abroad)
are #1.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF MY
LIFE!