I Wish You Enough

My life changed dramatically 16 years ago today.  It's hard to believe it's been 16 years.  It seems it was just a week a few weeks ago this tiny baby grabbed hold of my finger and grabbed hold of my heart.  I haven't been the same since.  She has been a priceless treasure, a gift from the Creator that has blessed my life time and time again.  She has helped me understand unconditional love and how God feels about me.  16 years ago today, my life became better because my daughter was born.  Thank you God.

This is a story I heard in the past but recently read again in an email from a friend.  I think it strikes me more today than it did before.  Today, goodbyes are harder for me, crushing at times.  I find myself saying goodbye to very special people and it is a painful experience.  Reading this poem stirs many emotions, one being what do I leave with the people I tell goodbye.

The whole story can be read here:http://www.bobperks.com/wish.htm 

Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They 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 goodbye 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 experiencing.

"Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked.

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

"When you were saying goodbye 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 other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." He paused for a moment and 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 as if he
were reciting it from memory.

"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 "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

I wish you enough.

Grace and peace to you.