“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

When I was a little girl, there was an older woman who would frequently visit our home.

My mother, always the gracious hostess, would set a veritable ‘feast’ upon the table—freshly brewed coffee; baskets of Italian bread (the ‘good stuff’, as my father would say); bowls filled with homemade pasta, and platters piled high with home-baked treats.

And, when our guest would arrive—my mother would spend hours with them at the table. Leaning in, always, with great care, as they grumbled over their ‘dreadful misfortunes.’

I never looked forward to these visits, as – every week, it was always the same. Our table was set for this honored guest, who would spend every moment complaining.

“Why do you put out so much?” my father would ask.

To which my mother would reply, “Because, she needs it more.”

At the time, I thought she was talking about the food. But, as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned—there’s a gift that extends far beyond a simple table setting.

It is the only gift that human kindness can bring.

You see, this woman who really had nothing in this world—left filled with a most cherished memory.

And that seemed to make it all worth it.