Believe Someone Who Tells You They Sacrifice Doing Something For You

Sacrifices are personal. It is not for you to decide someone’s sacrifice.

Last week, I called one of my old friends’ mom. I wanted to offer my condolences on the passing of her husband.

During our conversation, she said something in his remembrance that stuck with me. “My husband was a kind man,” She said. “He made so many sacrifices for others, if only they knew, how those little things were big efforts by him.

Maybe you too can resonate.

“How many times have you made sacrifices for others that were trivialized”?

I’ve stopped counting.

Or maybe, you recall a time you felt your sacrifice for someone was treated with scant regard, or more like an obligation or expectation that didn’t seemingly deserve as much as a “Thank You”?

The truth is, I don’t keep tabs on the things I do for others. Neither do I expect to be rewarded or praised.

I always felt it’s the right thing to do even if it requires me sacrificing for someone, some days.

I would be lying though, if I tell you, a kind word of appreciation as simply as “Thank You” wouldn’t make my day.

After all, we are humans.

William James says it best in his quote-“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated”.

When we think of the word sacrifice, the first thing that comes to mind is Christ offering himself in the crucifixion.

This is without a doubt, the greatest sacrifice one could, and has ever made.

But did you know there are choices and decisions we make every day that has left us with no alternatives but to make sacrifices?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sacrifice as, The act of giving up something that you want to keep, especially in order to get or do something else or help someone.

Consider the numerous acts of kindness toward our children, parent, spouses, friends, employers, colleges, and even strangers too. What may appear trivial, could be genuine sacrifices at times.

So today, I want to reflect on the untold sacrifices, others have made for me that somehow never got applauded, recognized, or voiced with a personal thank you.

This could be an opportune moment for you to reflect and think about the little things, others have done for you too. They very well might have been untold sacrifices.

This quote by an anonymous author always reminds me to — “Value and appreciate the people who sacrifice their something for you. Because maybe that something was their everything”.

Today, my reflection is on these four persons, who have made a big difference to my life that I want to recognize and say “Thank You”

To my Mom — “You nurtured, fed, and clothe me. I took you for granted because I felt it was something you were obligated to do.

Earlier in life, I felt there was more you could have done, but looking back, as I got older, I understood you gave of your best, the way you knew how. I didn’t quite understand it then. I understand it now.” Today, I want to say, “Thank You”.

To the man who gave me his last name — “For the first 13 years of my life, you provided for me. You were our only breadwinner.

I thought you were my Dad. You never treated me differently from the rest of the crew.

Then one day, I was angry with you. I found out you lied to me about my identity. You weren't my Dad. I lost sight that you were just trying to protect me. You provided for me even when you weren't obligated to. Despite the circumstance, you kept your family together and gave me your last name.” Looking back, I realize how much you loved me.

I might have lost the opportunity to say how much I loved you back. But as you RIP, I really do hope you can hear me saying. “Thank You”.

My Kindergarten Teacher —Ms. Francis, “You thought me the letters of the alphabet, and how to write them. At the time it seemed such a difficult task. But during your lunch break, You used your private time to show me how. I was a scared 3 years old, afraid to fail.

Your devotion, attention, and encouragement helped me to be the person I am today.

The little girl inside of me always feels I can do anything when things seem hard some days.” Today I say, “Thank You.”

My childhood next-door neighbor — Ms. Forth, Because of you, I saw a different perspective of life. The books you gave me, were my first other than the ones I used at school.

They taught me the value of reading. Opened my imagination, and took me to places around the world I never even knew existed.

I learn to dream big from you. I appreciate all the times you sat down and listen when I needed to talk.

We lost connection when you moved away.

I really wish I could see you again to tell you the impact you had on my life as a child. Today from my heart and from afar, “Thank you”.

So now, I’m asking you.

Who deserves a special “Thank You” from you?