1. 當我還在上高一時，有一天，我看到我們班的一個孩子正步行回家。他叫凱爾。他似乎背著所有的書。我心想：“為什麽有人在周五就把所有的書都帶回家呢？他肯定是個書呆子。”我的周末計劃得非常詳細（先是派對，在第二天下午和我的朋友踢足球）。因此我聳了聳肩，走開了。
2. 正走著，我看到一幫孩子朝他跑去。他們追上他，把他所有的書都從懷裏扔到地上並把他絆倒，結果他摔在汙泥裏，眼鏡也被打飛了，我看到它落在離他10 英尺遠的草地上。他抬起頭時，我看到他眼裏極度悲傷的表情。
3. 我的心也隨他而去。因此，我慢步向他跑過去。在他爬著尋找眼鏡時，我看到了他眼中的淚水。
4. 我把眼鏡遞給他，說道：“那些家夥都是些蠢蛋，他們真該遭到報應。”
5. 他看了看我，說：“嗨，謝謝了！”笑容在他臉上展現。正是這樣的笑顯示出了真正的感激。我幫他撿起書，問他住在哪裏。原來他住得離我很近。於是我就問他，怎麽以前我從沒有見過他呢，他說在來這所學校以前他上的是私立學校。
6. 以前，我從不與私立學校的孩子交往。我們一路聊著回家，我幫他拿著書。他原來竟是一位非常討人喜歡的孩子，我問他是否周六想跟我及我的朋友一起踢足球。他答應了。整個周末我們都在一起，對凱爾了解得越多，我越是喜歡他。我的朋友也都這麽認為。到了周一早晨，凱爾又要背上那個巨大的書包了。我製止他，說：“傻孩子，你每天背這麽一大堆書，想練就一身強壯的肌肉呀！”他隻是笑，並把一半書都遞給了我。接下來的四年裏，凱爾和我成為最好的朋友。
7. 到了高年級後，我們開始考慮上大學的事。凱爾決定去喬治敦，而我要去杜克。我知道我們永遠都是朋友，距離決不會成為問題。他以後想當一名醫生，而我則要用足球獎學金經商。凱爾是我們班致告別詞的學生代表。
8. 我總是取笑他是一個書呆子。他必須為畢業準備一個演講。我很慶幸不是我要站在那兒演講。
9. 畢業日來臨了——我看到了凱爾，他看起來帥極了。他是那些在高中真正把握住自己的人之一。他長大了，實際上帶著眼鏡更好看。他的約會比我還要多，幾乎所有的女孩都喜歡他。
10. 天哪，有時候我都有些嫉妒。今天就是這樣。我能看出他對於演講有些緊張。因此，我拍了拍他的後背，說：“嗨，大小夥子，你會很出色的！”
11. 他看了看我，帶著那樣的表情（真正出於感激的那種），笑了。“謝謝，”他說。開始演講時，他清了清喉嚨，開始說：“畢業的時候，你應該感謝那些幫助你度過最困難時期的人。你的父母、老師、兄弟姐妹、也許還有教練……但主要是你的朋友。
我在這兒要告訴你們，做別人的朋友是你能給予他們的最好禮物。我要給你們講一個故事。”
12. 我不敢置信地望著我的朋友，他講的就是我們第一天相遇的故事。他本來打算要在那個周末自殺，他談到自己如何把課桌收拾幹淨，把他所有的東西都帶回家，這樣就不用媽媽以後再收拾了。他直直地看著我，給了我一個笑容。“謝天謝地，我獲救了。我的朋友阻止了我去做那不堪設想的事情。”
13. 當這位帥氣的、受歡迎的男孩告訴我們有關他的最脆弱的時刻時，我聽到人群中都深吸了一口氣。我看到他的爸爸媽媽都看著我，帶著同樣感激的微笑。直到那時我才意識到它的深刻。
14. 決不要低估你行動的力量，一個簡單的舉止也許會改變人的一生，無論是好是壞。
上帝讓我們走進彼此的生命，在一定程度上影響著彼此。我們也要在其他人身上尋找到上帝的影子。
15. “朋友就是天使，當我們的翅膀不知如何飛翔時，他們能夠幫你站立起來。”
16. 根本不存在開始或者結束——昨天已成為曆史，明天還是個謎，今天才是我們手中的禮物。
30 Things Can Be Done in Only 30 Seconds30秒可以完成的30件事情
Attitude is foundational to success. A generous person with a positive attitude will thrive. If you change your attitude, you change your perception, change your actions, and change your life.
As every life changes, you change the world. Over at Lorelle On Word press she challenges bloggers to create a list of 30 things that can each be done in only 30 seconds. Imagine if millions or billions of people each did one of these-how would the world be different? In keeping with the theme of personal development, I have put together ways to improve yourself or others and create a better you in 30 seconds or less. Imagine if everyone did just a few of these at once? Here is my list.
1. Change your tone of voice. For 30 seconds, speak softer, calmer, or just more pleasantly.
You might be surprised at the results. Did you know, for example, that a softer voice giving clear instructions commands more authority with children than a yell? If frustrated in a business dealing,try a more peaceful tone, even if only for 30 seconds, and see if it leads to a quicker resolution.
2. Choose one idea you gave up and re-visit it. For 30 seconds, consider giving it one more try. Was there an invention, a project, or some task that just seemed too daunting or frustrating?
Choose one and decide to try it one more time. Imagine if everyone mustered up the courage to use their God-given ingenuity in whatever their gifting. What new things would the world see created?
3. For 30 seconds, give someone another chance. Listen for just one more time, re-evaluate a first impression, or give one more opportunity to see if they have changed. You may be surprised.
4. Tell your children “I love you” or “I am proud of you”. Make it meaningful, look them in the eye, and show how you value them. It will mean the world. Imagine if every parent said affirming words to every child, for 30 seconds, everyday.
5. The next time you find yourself wanting instant gratification, impatiently wanting something you cannot have at that moment, give thanks to God for what you already do have for 30 seconds. It may change your attitude.
6. For 30 seconds, stand up straighter and with your head held high. Look others in the eye and walk with confidence. See how great it feels?
7. Choose one thing you were putting off for another time that could be done today, and decide to do it! It only takes 30 seconds to make a decision to act. Be sure you value keeping your promise to yourself, and then know that this will lead to action.
8. Clean up someone else’s mess.
9. Compliment someone with a genuine comment on what you appreciate or respect about them.
10. Stand up for someone or something you believe in. A quick sentence of support can do wonders and expand your influence.
11. Find a way to authentically encourage someone in their efforts with a “you can do it!”
comment. Believe in them and show it.
12. Invite someone over (or a group of someone’s) that you would like to get to know: set a specific time and day for a dinner together. The world could use more socializing. What about you?
Take the initiative and make the invitation to a new friendship.
13. Give your spouse a physical sign of affection for 30 seconds in public. Brush your hand softly on her cheek, run your fingers through his hair, give a soft hug, a gentle squeeze of the hand,or a quick kiss. It is good for children to see their parents comfortable with quick displays of affection, and great for strengthening intimacy in marriage. Imagine how closeness might grow in marriages if every couple deliberately showed affection for 30 seconds? Better yet, do it several times a day.
14. Learn 1 new word (preferably from a different language than you already know) or learn a quick and wonderful fact about another culture or country.
15. Write a check for 10% of your monthly income and place it in the mailbox. Send it to your church, a charity, or a worthy cause, but give it away.
16. Pray every morning for 30 seconds to conquer your fear and courageously face all your opportunities, keep your mind open in setting goals and keep your attitude positive. Quickly judge your plan for the day against your priorities (be sure your choices fit with your focus- remember in business and for your family, time is one of your most valuable assets). After the 30 seconds, you may be inspired to make a change.
17. Ask someone “how are you doing?” and then be ready to truly listen.
18. Put $20 in an envelope (or $50 or $100), write “from anonymous”, and secretly (and quickly, to fit in 30 seconds) leave it with someone you know could use it. Doing good deeds without public recognition feels great... Try it and see!
19. Do something quick for the environment: refuse food in Styrofoam, tear apart those plastic things that go around cans and choke birds, or help an animal in distress break free, etc.
20. Choose a great breakfast (your best energy starts with a 30 second decision). Choose to eat no sugar and foods low in starch. Eat more protein and fruit. Start your day right to be more productive.
21. If you have been indoors, get out and feel the sunshine on your face for 30 seconds- it will elevate your mood quickly (if it is 100 degrees outside then feel the sunshine from a more comfortable temperature if possible).
22. Say yes to giving a charitable donation at your local merchant when asked (give one more time than you had planned to give).
23. Register to vote. Just fill out a 30 second card! As you follow this or any registration process of your country, determine to take advantage of the opportunity to vote when it comes, if you are able to do so.
24. Plant a seed (or plant a plant or tree if you have the skills to do so this quickly). Imagine if millions did this at once…25. Turn off the lights in a room where you are not (turn off the water when not in use, etc.).
Every 30 seconds matters.
26. Place a bag by your trash and put a recyclable item inside it. Congratulations, you have now started recycling!
27. Stop any bad habit in 30 seconds. Then keep repeating at 30 second intervals.
28. Seek out laughter and laugh for 30 seconds. Repeat as needed to release tension.
29. Drink water.
30. Imagine for 30 seconds being content with everything you have. Then imagine balancing contentment with striving to continue God’s purpose in you, take an attitude of perseverance, and determine to go for it!
態度是成功的基石。一個人如果既樂於分享，又態度積極，則其前途不可限量。如果你改變了你的態度，就等於改變了你對事物的理解，改變了你的行動，隨之將改變你的生活。
當每一個人的生命發生變化時，你就改變了世界。在Word press 上寫博客的Lorelle 挑戰眾博客寫作者們列出一個包含30 件可以在30 秒鍾內完成的事情清單。試想一下，如果成百萬甚至上億的人們僅僅做了其中的一件，世界將會有多麽大的不一樣！延續我的博客推動個人成長的主題，我集中了一些你可以在30 秒或更少的時間內完成來完善自己或他人的事情。
設想一下每個人立刻做了其中的一些事情會如何。清單如下：1. 改變你的語氣。隻用30 秒，使用更柔和、更冷靜的語氣，或是任何一種聽上去更舒服的說話方式。你也許會為所發生的一切感到驚訝。比如，你是否了解，在孩子們的心目中，用柔和的聲調給出清楚的指示比大吼大叫更能讓你獲得威嚴。如果在一次商業交易中出師不利，可以嚐試在接下來的30 秒內使用更平和的語調，然後觀察這能否促使事情更快地得到解決。
2. 選擇一個你已經放棄的想法，然後重新思考它。用30 秒的時間考慮再試一次。是否曾經有一項發明，一個項目，或是某些任務令人望而生畏，或是讓人沮喪？選擇其中一個，然後再次撿起它。想想看，如果每個人都鼓足勇氣，在自己具備才能的方麵充分運用了上天賦予的創造力，將會給這個世界帶來多少新的東西？
3. 用30 秒鍾，給他人一次機會。也許隻需要再傾聽一遍，重新調整一下第一印象，或是再用一次機會去發現他們是否已經作出改變。你會感到驚奇的。
4. 告訴你的孩子們“我愛你”或“我為你感到驕傲”。讓這樣的表達成為一次有意義的事件，看著他們的眼睛，讓他們知道他們對你來說有多麽重要。這樣做將意義非凡。想想如果所有的父母每天花30 秒的時間對他們的孩子們說一些肯定的話，世界將會如何。
5. 下次你再發現自己在急切等待他人對你的肯定，而又不可能立即擁有的時候，用30秒來為你已經完成的事情感謝上帝。這能迅速改變你的態度。
6. 用30 秒，站得更直，將你的頭高高抬起。直視他人，自信地行走。有沒有發現這樣感覺非常棒？
7. 選擇一件你一直在拖延著準備下次再做而今天可以完成的事情，決定完成它！做出一個行動的決定隻需要30 秒。前提必須是你十分看重對自己的承諾，並且一旦承諾則意味著付出行動。
8. 清理一次他人惹下的亂子。
9. 對他人就你一直欣賞或敬重的某一點表示真誠的讚美。
10. 為你信仰的某人或某事挺身而出。一句簡短的表示支持的話會帶來奇跡，迅速擴大你的影響。
11. 為他人所做的努力表示一次真誠的鼓勵。告訴他，“你可以做到的”，信任他並且用行動來表達這份信任。
12. 邀請某個你願意了解的人（或一群人）到家中做客。定一個具體的日子和時刻和他/他們共進晚餐。適度的社交是必要的，你還在等待什麽呢？采取主動，發出邀請，也意味著打開一扇新的友誼之門。
13. 在公共場所花30 秒對你的伴侶用肢體表達愛意。用手輕輕的摩挲她的麵頰，用手指撫弄他的頭發，來一個輕輕的擁抱，溫柔的握緊他的手，或是一個蜻蜓點水的吻。讓孩子們看到父母很自然的迅速表達愛意是有益的。這樣也能加強婚姻的親密感。試想一下如果每一對伴侶都用30 秒的時間來有意識的表達愛意，會對婚姻中親密感的增強有多麽大的作用。如果能一天做幾次就更好了。
14. 學會一個新單詞（最好從一種你不會的語言中學習）或是迅速的了解與另外一種文化或國家有關的一件神奇的事情。
15. 寫下一張麵值為你月薪10%的支票。然後放進郵箱，寄給你所在地區的教堂，捐給慈善機構，或是為其它有價值的事業。總之，捐獻出去。
16. 每天早晨祈禱30 秒，以克服恐懼，或是獲得勇氣去麵對你的所有機會。在樹立目標的時候保持心胸開闊，態度要積極。以優先級標準迅速的判斷你當天的計劃（須保證你的選擇與你的重點相符——記住無論在職場還是家中，時間都是你最寶貴的資產）30 秒之後，你也許已經獲得激勵去做一些改變。
17. 問候一個人“你最近怎樣”，然後真誠的聆聽。
18. 將20 美元（50 美元或100 美元也行）放在一個信封裏，寫上“來自無名氏”。然後悄悄地（當然，也要迅速地，以保持30 秒的紀錄）放在你知道需要它的人那裏。私下裏做一些善意的小事感覺很棒！不信可以試試看。
19. 迅速地做一些對環境有保護的事情：拒絕裝在聚乙烯泡沫盒裏的食物，撕開罐頭外圍的塑料包裝，或是幫助一隻被困的小動物重獲自由等等。
20. 選擇吃一頓精致的早餐。（隻需要30 秒作出的決定可以讓你一整天都充滿活力）不吃糖，吃低澱粉的食物。攝入更多的蛋白質和水果。正確的開始以使你的一天更富有成效。
21. 如果你一直待在室內，走出去，感受30 秒陽光照在臉上的感覺——這會讓你的心情立刻變得好起來（如果外麵的氣溫高達100 攝氏度，那麽在一個更適宜的溫度下去感受陽光）。
22. 如果一個當地的商店請求你做一次慈善捐助時表示同意（多給一個人一些時間，雖然你本來並不打算如此）。
23. 報名參加選舉。隻需要花30 秒時間填寫一張卡片。當你這樣做的時候，下決心在選舉來臨時投出這一票。
24. 播下一顆種子。（如果你有技巧能迅速完成的話也可以種下一株植物或一棵樹）。
想想如果數百萬的人都馬上這樣做了的話……25. 當你不在房間的時候，把燈關掉。（諸如此類，不用水的時候將水龍頭關掉。）這樣的每一個30 秒都不是小事。
26. 在垃圾桶旁邊放一個袋子，然後在裏麵放一些可回收的小東西。祝賀你，你已經開始回收之旅了。
27. 在30 秒鍾內戒掉一個壞習慣。然後每隔30 秒重複你做的事情。
28. 尋找笑料，然後大笑30 秒。在有必要的時候重複這樣做，來緩解緊張氣氛。
29. 喝水。
30. 花30 秒的時間想象一下你對所擁有的一切都感到滿足的情景。然後設想一下如何在感到滿足與努力發揮天賦才能之間保持平衡。擁有堅定不移的態度，並且一旦下了決心，就去盡情追逐你的夢想！
A Coke and a Smile可樂與微笑
1. I know now that the man who sat with me on the old wooden stairs that hot summer night over thirty-five years ago was not a tall man. But to a five-year-old, he was a giant.
We sat side by side, watching the sun go down behind the old Texaco service station across the busy street. A street that I was never allowed to cross unless accompanied by an adult, or at the very least, an older sibling.
2. Cherry-scented smoke from Grampy’s pipe kept the hungry mosquitoes at bay while gray, wispy swirls danced around our heads. Now and again, he blew a smoke ring and laughed as I tried to target the hole with my finger. I, clad in a cool summer nightie, and Grampy, his sleeveless T-shirt, sat watching the traffic. We counted cars and tried to guess the color of the next one to turn the corner.
3. Once again, I was caught in the middle of circumstances. The fourth born of six children,it was not uncommon that I was either too young or too old for something. This night I was both. While my two baby brothers slept inside the house, my three older siblings played with friends around the corner, where I was not allowed to go. I stayed with Grampy, and that was okay with me. I was where I wanted to be. My grandfather was baby-sitting while my mother, father and grandmother went out.
4. “Thirsty?” Grampy asked, never removing the pipe from his mouth.
5. “Yes,” was my reply. “How would you like to run over to the gas station there and get yourself a bottle of Coke?”
6. I couldn’t believe my ears. Had I heard right? Was he talking to me? On my family’s modest income, Coke was not a part of our budget or diet. A few tantalizing sips was all I had ever had, and certainly never my own bottle.
7. “Okay,” I replied shyly, already wondering how I would get across the street. Surely Grampy was going to come with me.
8. Grampy stretched his long leg out straight and reached his huge hand deep into the pocket. I could hear the familiar jangling of the loose change he always carried. Opening his fist, he exposed a mound of silver coins. There must have been a million dollars there. He instructed me to pick out a dime. After he deposited the rest of the change back into his pocket, he stood up.
9. “Okay,” he said, helping me down the stairs and to the curb, “I’m going to stay here and keep an ear out for the babies. I’ll tell you when it’s safe to cross. You go over to the Coke machine, get your Coke and come back out. Wait for me to tell you when it’s safe to cross back.”
10. My heart pounded. I clutched my dime tightly in my sweaty palm. Excitement took my breath away.
11. Grampy held my hand tightly. Together we looked up the street and down, and back up again. He stepped off the curb and told me it was safe to cross. He let go of my hand and I ran. I ran faster than I had ever run before. The street seemed wide. I wondered if I would make it to the other side. Reaching the other side, I turned to find Grampy. There he was, standing exactly where I had left him, smiling proudly. I waved.
12. “Go on, hurry up,” he yelled.
13. My heart pounded wildly as I walked inside the dark garage. I had been inside the garage before with my father. My surroundings were familiar. I heard the Coca-Cola machine motor humming even before I saw it. I walked directly to the big old red-and-white dispenser. I knew where to insert my dime. I had seen it done before and had fantasized about this moment many times.
14. The big old monster greedily accepted my dime, and I heard the bottles shift. On tiptoes I reached up and opened the heavy door. There they were: one neat row of thick green bottles, necks staring directly at me, and ice cold from the refrigeration. I held the door open with my shoulder and grabbed one. With a quick yank, I pulled it free from its bondage. Another one immediately took its place. The bottle was cold in my sweaty hands. I will never forget the feeling of the cool glass on my skin. With two hands, I positioned the bottleneck under the heavy brass opener that was bolted to the wall. The cap dropped into an old wooden box, and I reached in to retrieve it. I was cold and bent in the middle, but I knew I needed to have this souvenir. Coke in hand, I proudly marched back out into the early evening dusk. Grampy was waiting patiently. He smiled.
15. “Stop right there,” he yelled. One or two cars sped by me, and once again, Grampy stepped off the curb. “Come on, now,” he said, “run.” I did. Cool brown foam sprayed my hands. “Don’t ever do that alone,” he warned. I held the Coke bottle tightly; fearful he would make me pour it into a cup, ruining this dream come true. He didn’t. One long swallow of the cold beverage cooled my sweating body. I don’t think I ever felt so proud.
1. 我現在知道，35 年前那個炎熱夏夜和我坐在破舊的木樓梯上的老人並不高大，但對一個5 歲的孩子來說，他卻是一個巨人。我們並排坐著，看著太陽落在繁忙的街對麵那個老德克薩克加油站的背後。除非有大人或至少一個哥哥或姐姐陪著，我從未被允許穿過那條街。
2. 從祖父煙鬥裏噴出的白色煙霧在我們腦袋周圍上下旋繞，它們散發的櫻桃香味使貪婪的蚊子不敢靠近。他不時地噴出一串煙圈，在我試著將手指插入煙圈時他放聲大笑。我穿著涼爽的小睡衣，祖父穿著他的無袖T 恤，坐在那兒觀看繁忙的交通。
我們數著過往的車輛，並猜想著下一輛拐過街角的汽車的顏色。
3. 我又一次陷於兩頭都夠不上的中間境遇，作為六個孩子中的老四，很多事情對於我來說不是因為年齡太小，就是太大而不合適。那天夜裏就是這樣。我的兩個小兄弟在屋裏睡覺，我的另外三個長兄和姐姐在拐角與小夥伴們玩，而我是不允許去那裏的。我與祖父呆在一起，這也挺好，正是我想呆的地方。在父母和祖母外出時，祖父就在家看孩子。
4. “渴嗎？”祖父煙鬥不離口地問我。
5. “是的。”我回答說。“跑到街對麵的加油站去給你自己買瓶可樂怎麽樣？”
6. 我簡直不敢相信自己的耳朵，我沒有聽錯吧？他是在跟我說話嗎？就我們家微薄的收入來說，可樂不是我們家庭開銷的一部分。我隻是迫不及待地啜過幾小口，從來沒有自己喝過一瓶。
7. “好的。”我害羞地回答說，已經在想著該怎樣穿過馬路，祖父當然會跟我一塊。
8. 祖父將他的長腿伸直，把他的大手伸進口袋。我能聽到零錢相碰而發出的熟悉的丁當聲，他總是把這些零錢帶在身上。他張開手，露出了一堆寶貝似的銀幣。那裏麵一定有100 萬美元！他讓我拿出一個1 角的銀幣。把零錢放回口袋後，他站了起來。
9. “好吧，”他說，幫著我下樓梯到馬路沿兒那兒去，“我站在這兒，聽著屋裏的兩個孩子有沒有動靜，什麽時候穿過馬路安全，我會告訴你的。你到對麵的可樂機那兒買到你的可樂後再走回來。等著我告訴你什麽時候過馬路安全。”
10. 我的心砰砰地跳著，緊緊地用汗手攥著那枚1 角的銀幣，興奮地喘不上氣來。
11. 祖父緊緊地拉著我的手，我們一塊看了看大街的前後左右。他走下馬路沿兒，告訴我現在可以過去了。他放開我的手，我跑了起來。我從沒有跑得這麽快過。街道似乎很寬，我懷疑自己是否能跑到對麵。跑到對麵後，我回頭尋找祖父，他正站在我離開他的地方，為我自豪地微笑著。我朝他揮了揮手。
12. “接著走，快點。”他喊道。
13. 我的心砰砰亂跳著走進昏暗的修車站。我以前曾和父親一塊來過這裏，對周圍的一切都很熟悉。甚至在看見可口可樂機之前就聽到了其馬達發出的嗡嗡聲。我徑直走向那台紅白相間的巨大的老自動售貨機。我知道該往哪兒插硬幣，我曾看人做過並曾多次幻想有一天我也能親身試一試。
14. 那個老巨人貪婪地吞下我的硬幣，我聽見了瓶子移動的聲音。我踮起腳尖伸手摸索著打開了它厚重的門。它們就在那兒！一排整齊的深綠色瓶子，瓶頸一個挨一個地凝視著我，冰箱裏散發出冰冷的氣息。我用肩膀頂著門，伸手抓住一個，迅速一拉，將它從捆綁中拉了出來，另一個立即占據了它的位置。瓶子在我汗浸浸的手中顯得格外冰涼，我永遠忘不了冰涼的瓶子接觸我皮膚時的感覺。我兩手抓住瓶子，將瓶頸放在固定的牆上的厚銅開瓶器下，瓶蓋立即掉在一個老木箱裏，我伸手將它撿了出來，感覺好涼，中間已經彎曲，但我知道我需要擁有這個紀念品。手拿可樂，我自豪地走回到外麵，已是黃昏時分。祖父正耐心地等待著，並麵帶微笑。
15. “停在那兒，”一兩輛車在我麵前飛駛而過，祖父再次走下馬路沿兒，“現在過來，”
他說，“跑過來！”我跑了起來，冰涼的棕色泡沫濺在我的手上。“別再一個人獨自過馬路！”他警告我。我緊緊地抱著可樂瓶，生怕他讓我把可樂倒在杯子裏，毀掉我的夢想。他沒有。我咕嚕嚕長長地吞下一口冰涼的可樂，冒汗的身體頓覺清爽無比。我認為自己再也沒有過當時那樣的自豪。
Grandpa’s Valentine爺爺的情人卡1. I received a call from the nursing home. Grandpa was failing rapidly. I should come.
There was nothing to do but hold his hand. “I love you, Grandpa. Thank you for always being there for me.”
2. Memories...memories...six days a week, Grandpa in that old blue shirt caring for those cattle...on hot summer days plowing the soil, planting the corn and beans and harvesting them in the fall...always working from dawn to dusk. Survival demanded work, work,work.
3. But on Sundays he put on his gray suit and hat. Grandma wore her wine-colored dress and ivory beads, and they went to church. Grandpa and Grandma were quiet, peaceful,unemotional people.
4. The nurse apologized for having to ask me so soon to remove Grandpa’s things from the room. It would not take long. There wasn’t much. Then I found it in the top drawer of his nightstand. It looked like a very old handmade valentine. What must have been red paper at one time was a streaked faded pink. A piece of white paper had been glued to the center of the heart. On it, penned in Grandma’s handwriting, were these words:5. TO LEE FROM HARRIET
6. With All My Love,
7. February 14, 1895
8. Are you alive? Real? Or are you the most beautiful dream that I have had in years? Are you an angel—or a figment of my imagination? Someone I fabricated to fill the void? To soothe the pain? Where did you find the time to listen? How could you understand?
9. You made me laugh when my heart was crying. You took me dancing when I couldn’t take a step. You helped me set new goals when I was confused. You showed me dew drops and I had diamonds. You brought me wildflowers and I had orchids. You sang to me and angelic choirs burst forth in song. You held my hand and my whole being loved you. You gave me a ring and I belonged to you. I belonged to you and I have experienced all.
10. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I read the words. I pictured the old couple I had always known. It’s difficult to imagine your grandparents in any other role than that.
What I read was so beautiful and sacred. Grandpa had kept it all those years. Now it is framed on my dresser, a treasured part of family history.
1. 我接到了療養院的電話，爺爺的情況急轉直下，應該去了。我什麽也做不了，隻能握著他的手說：“爺爺，我愛你。謝謝你一直陪伴著我。”
2. 回憶……回憶……一周六天，爺爺總是穿著那件舊的藍襯衫照看著牛群……在炎熱的夏天耕種土地，種上玉米和豆子，秋天再把莊稼收獲……黎明而耕，黃昏而息，總是如此。生存需要勞作、勞作、不斷地勞作。
3. 但是每逢周日，他就會穿上灰色西裝，戴上禮帽；奶奶則穿上酒紅色的連衣裙，戴上象牙珠鏈，兩人一起去做禮拜。爺爺和奶奶都是寧靜平和，感情從不外露的人。
4. 護士向我道歉，說不得不這麽快就請我把爺爺的物品從房間裏搬走，其實搬東西也用不了很久，爺爺身無長物。搬東西時，我在他的床頭幾最上麵的抽屜裏發現了一樣東西。那看起來像是一張舊的自製的情人卡，以前應該是紅色的紙現在退色了，變成了帶有斑紋的粉紅色，紅心的中央用膠水粘著一張白紙，上麵是奶奶用鋼筆寫下的一段文字，內容是這樣的：
5. 哈麗特致李：
6. 你是真實的、活生生的嗎？難道說你是我這麽多年來最美麗的夢？你是一個天使嗎？——或者你隻是我想象中的幻影，為了填補空虛，為了撫平創傷臆造出來的人物？你是從哪裏找到時間來聽我訴說的？你又為何總能理解我呢？
7. 我的心痛哭時，你帶給我歡笑。我還沒學會舞步，你就帶我去了舞會。我迷茫時，你卻幫我設立了新的目標。你給我看那清新的露珠，我就擁有了璀璨的鑽石；你給我摘來野花，我就擁有了幽蘭；你給我唱一首歌，天使們就開始了合唱。你握住我的手，我的整個人都愛上了你；你給我一枚戒指，我全部屬於了你；我屬於你之後，就體驗了世間的全部。
8. 全身心地愛你。
9. 1895 年2 月14 日
10. 我讀著這些話，淚水撲麵而下。我想象著一直以來就認識的這對老夫婦。要把爺爺奶奶想象成其他角色是那樣的困難。我讀到的字句卻是如此美麗而神聖。爺爺這些年一直保存著這張卡，而現在，我把它裝上鏡框，放在梳妝台上。它成了一份彌足珍貴的家族曆史。
ForMoms寫給媽媽們……
1. This is for all the mothers who DIDN’T win Mother of the Year last year, all the runners-up and all the wannabes, including the mothers too tired to enter or too busy to care.
2. This is for all the mothers who froze their buns off on metal bleachers at soccer games on Friday night, instead of watching from cars. So that when their kids asked, “Did you see my goal?” They could say, “Of course, wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” and mean it.
3. This is for all the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms,wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, “It’s OK honey, Mommy’s here.”
4. This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they’ll never see, and the mothers who took those babies and made them homes.
5. This is for all the mothers of the victims of school shootings, and the mothers of the murderers. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
6. This is for all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes, and all the mothers who DON’T.
7. What makes a good mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips?
8. Is it the ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it heart?
9. Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street,walking to school alone for the very first time?
10. Is it the jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, as you bound from bed to crib at 2 a.m.
to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
11. Is it the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a school shooting, a fire, a car accident, or a baby dying?
12. I think so.
13. So this is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies, and for all the mothers who wanted to but just couldn’t.
14. This is for reading “Good night, Moon” twice a night for a year. And then reading it again. “Just one more time.”
15. This is for all the mothers who mess up, who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair and stomp their feet like a tired 2-year-old who wants ice cream before dinner.
16. This is for all the mothers who taught their daughters to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
17. This is for all the mothers who bite their lips—sometimes until they bleed—when their 14 year olds dye their hair green. Who lock themselves in the bathroom when babies keep crying and won’t stop.
18. This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
19. This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
20. This is for all mothers whose heads turn automatically when a little voice calls “Mom?”
in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home.
21. This is for mothers who put pinwheels and teddy bears on their children’s graves.
22. This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can’t find the words to reach them.
23. This is for all the mothers who sent their sons to school with stomachaches, assuring them they’d be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse and hour later asking them to please pick them up, right away.
24. This is for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation, and mature mothers learning to let go.
25. This is for working mothers and stay-at-home mothers, single mothers and married mothers, mothers with money, and mothers without.
26. This is for you all. So hang in there!
1. 本文謹獻給所有未能獲得去年“年度母親”的媽媽們，所有的亞軍和希望超越她們的人們，還包括那些太過牢累沒能參加或是太過忙碌而無暇顧及的母親們。
2. 這是寫給所有會在周五晚上到露天球場觀看足球賽的母親們，她們會坐在冰涼的看台上，而不是從汽車裏麵觀看。因此，當她們的孩子問：“你看到我得分了嗎？”
她們就能回答：“當然，我怎麽會錯過你的比賽啊。”事實確實是這樣。
3. 這是寫給所有整晚緊抱生病的孩子，擦掉那些有Oscar Mayer 香腸的嘔吐物，並溫柔地說：“好了，寶貝，媽媽在這裏。”
4. 這是寫給這些未能見孩子一麵而逝去的母親們。也送給那些收養了這些孩子，並給了他們一個家的母親們。
5. 這是寫給這些母親們。她們的孩子成了學校槍擊事件的受害者；她們是殺人犯的母親；她們是烈士的母親；她們坐在電視前心神不寧，滿懷恐懼，孩子一放學安全回家就擁抱孩子的母親們。
6. 這是寫給這些合夥使用汽車，會做餅幹，縫製萬聖節衣服的母親們，也寫給那些不做這些事情的母親們。
7. 是什麽能成就一個好母親呢？是耐心？同情？還是博大的胸懷？
8. 是同時都具有撫養孩子，做飯，訂紐扣的能力？還是有充滿摯愛的心？
9. 是你看著兒子或女兒消失在街頭，第一次走進校園時的那種失落嗎？
10. 是你從夢中驚醒，在午夜兩點從**跳起來到嬰兒床邊，輕拍熟睡的寶貝時的那種震撼嗎？
11. 還是不論身在何處，隻要聽到有關校園槍擊案、火災、車禍，或者有孩子死亡的消息時，渴望擁抱自己孩子的那種迫切哪？
12. 我是這樣認為的。
13. 因此，這是寫給所有的母親，她們抱著孩子坐下，解釋說養孩子的不易；這也是寫給那些心有餘而力不足的母親們。
14. 這是寫給每個晚上都要讀兩遍“晚安，月亮”，之後卻又讀一遍，說“再來一遍”
的母親們。
15. 這是寫給所有心情糟糕的母親，她們在商店裏責罵她們的孩子，朝死裏打他們，甚至像一個兩歲的小孩想在飯前吃根冰激淩一樣，氣得跺腳。
16. 這是寫給所有這樣的母親，她們在女兒開始上學前就教孩子學係鞋帶，還有那些選擇維可牢尼龍搭扣而不是鞋帶的母親。
17. 這是寫給這些母親們，她們看見自己14 歲的孩子把頭發染成綠色，會氣得把嘴唇咬出血，當孩子不停地哭喊的時候，她們會絕望地躲在浴室裏。
18. 這是寫給這些母親，她們上班的時候，頭發上有唾液，上衣上有奶漬，包裏有小孩尿布。
19. 這是寫給這樣的母親，她們教兒子做飯，教女兒跳投籃球。
20. 這是寫給這樣的母親，當她們在擁擠的人群裏哪怕聽到一個很小的叫“媽媽？”的聲音，她們就會馬上轉過頭來，即使她們知道孩子在家裏。
21. 這是寫給那些在她們孩子的墓前放上風車和泰迪熊的母親們。
22. 這是寫給那些母親們，她們的孩子誤入歧途，母親又不能找到合適的話來教導他們。
23. 這是寫給這樣的母親們，她們把胃痛的兒子送到學校，而且還對孩子說他們一到學校就好了，結果卻從學校護士那裏接到電話，一小時後叫她們去接孩子。
24. 這是寫給年輕母親的，她們忙於給孩子換尿布上，幾乎沒有了睡眠時間。而成熟的母親學著放任他們。
25. 這是寫給所有工作的母親與呆在家的母親，單身的母親與已婚的母親，有錢的母親與沒有錢的母親。
26. 就這些，到此止筆！