ZenCoffee and a CupofJoe

This morning was pretty bad but nothing I cant handle. My mother and father got in a car accident and my father hurt his back. My husband got his license suspended and forgot his lunch. And Violet threw food in my face. Surprisingly I wasn't too upset though. I've come to realize when dealing with big bad situations there's always one person that has to remain calm and collected for everyone else. And sometimes it pays to be that one person. Plus, Violet was feeling better so that was a big win. I was done letting things get to me! Then I got a letter from Richard...

Richard is the beautiful little Philippine boy we sponsored on the bank account that recently got close because of a 500 dollar conglomeration of overdraft fees. I know it's kind of disingenuous to the fact that i'm a super poor young adult with a child of my own to sponsor a child I can't pay for. But the guy who was telling me about the children was making me feel sad and I was going baby crazy at the time. Why have another child I cant pay for when I can give hope to a child already born I can't pay for? Selfish... It's so selfish... Anyways, so he sent me this:

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Sturgis,

Good day to you! Hope you're in good health and happy with our peers. While me here, I am in good health with the caring of my family. My family and I was happy for choosen me as part of your family and we realy appreciate and thankful to you. So far, I am in grade one and I am the 4th among the 6th siblings. We are 3boys and 3girls. My hobby is singling and I love to play bicycle. My free time are saturday and sunday. I also help to my parents for their fish vending. Anyway, thank you so much for your help and I count you as part of my family too. God bless and have a nice day.

Richard

Now, i'm not dumb. I know they probably pay kids to write these things because the kids they're actually helping- especially if they're in first grade- aren't that eloquent. I've seen fourth graders here that aren't that great with words. Of course I could be wrong because, frankly, as a country we suck when it comes to education. But it made me a little happier. This kid has a family, a life, friends. He has things apart from mine in a completely different culture. It's sad to think that we have to make ourselves feel better with these letters that probably arent real. I mean, come on. A phillipino child named Richard? Anyways, here's my letter back.

Dear Richard,

I'm very happy to hear from you. It's great to know that I am part of your family and you are apart of mine. Even though we haven't met. I hope you're doing well in school and working hard. Always listen to your elders. They have the best advice to give. Try to read as much as possible. The best lessons I ever learned were from reading books and watching people. There's no place you cant ever get to if you don't know how to observe, listen, and try your best. If you know you're always trying your best you can never lose. I know, that in the future you will reach any goals you have and become what you want to. Just remember, happiness is a state of mind. No amount of problems you have with the outside world can ever get to you if you're happy with yourself.

I hope we can meet soon.

-Megean McBride-Sturgis

Now, my biggest lesson in life is exactly what I told him. And though i'm still progressing as a person I have a very long way to go. So, no more! Thats it! I'm going to be like Kris Jenner from now on! I'm going to lock that money dowwwwnnn. I'm going to help who ever is on the other side of the letter. And i'm going to find happiness in a cup of coffee. Which is surprisingly what's making me very happy right now.

Pursuit of Happiness #8: You can learn great things from even the smallest people.