‘Thanks’ is a magical word, and it works. Have you tried it? To look someone in the eyes and say: thank you.
Long. It’s been a very long year. I didn’t do well with math at school, but I want to compare its duration as if it were those 365 days squared.
Someone asked me a few weeks ago about my plans for Christmas. «A dinner with my closest friends,» I replied. Then they asked if I had any traditions. And so begins this story.
I remember that my family participated in social programs at the church, bringing Christmas gifts to less privileged areas on the outskirts of the city. From my hometown, Trujillo.
Year after year, we went to Zona Franca (something like a duty-free zone) and the wholesale market. We bought gifts for girls and boys. We wrapped them up and then went out to distribute them to those areas.
It was fun, it felt good. I don’t know if I understood the meaning of what we were doing then. Maybe not as I understand it now.
At some point, we realized that we also wanted to have a tree at home and that we wanted to show appreciation in the family by giving each other whatever our pockets allowed. A wallet, a ring, some earrings, a pair of pants. Whatever we had heard at home that someone wished to receive.
Moving to Romania, I left many things behind. The first phone calls to my mom caused a burning sensation in my stomach that I didn’t know how to translate. I tasted all the food and drinks they invited me to. That’s what she had taught me. To receive graciously and finish the plate they put in front of me. That was gratitude.
The tree, the decorations, or the gifts didn’t matter to me. But there were people who made sure I wasn’t alone during those days. Those cold winter days in Eastern Europe.
Last night, I thought it important to create my own tradition. After visiting some neighbors, eating, drinking, exchanging chocolates, and laughing a bit, I thought it was time. «Can we talk?» I said.
My proposal was that from that moment on, I would take the initiative to look back and give thanks. For everything and for every little thing. But mainly for the presence of these close people who have made my days better and easier to bear.
Thank you, for reading me today. For telling me you’re sorry. For telling me you love me. For telling me you miss me. But above all, for being there and existing.
Ave Migratoria 