Stand out in the Crowd

Stand out in the Crowd

8x8 oil on board with black wood floating frame

My mom stood out in a crowd. Not because she was loud or flashy, but because she had so much grit and determination and a positive outlook. She lead by example and influenced not only me, but most of the people she came in contact with. She corrected my friend’s grammar, reminded me to stand up straight and stop chewing gum. She taught me how to be wise with money and respect myself and others. When I graduated from high school she gave me a plaque with a poem by Max Ehrmann called Desiderata. She said the poem was full of life lessons that she hoped I had learned from her, and if not, it would be a helpful guide. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but as I reflect on it now, I know why it is one of my most treasured gifts from the person who stood out in the crowd and showed me how to be “cheerful and strive to be happy”.