Gratitude is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return a kindness” (Oxford Dictionary).

Gratitude isn’t just being thankful and it returning a kindness. A pay-it-forward moment where not only do you acknowledge someone but you show them what it meant to you. We have lost the art of the thank you card. Now we “like” something or give a shout out on Facebook. It is quick and easy and (honestly) takes no effort.

I hate writing thank you cards. I would rather drop off a bottle of wine (or tequila depending on the friend) and cookies than write out and mail the card. I have tried to instill the art of the thank you card in Abby. To my mother’s dismay I have been completely failed. I have harassed Abby to write thank you notes and it never gets done. I forget to keep on her or I just give up.

Yet that girl never fails to surprise me.

One day I get a text from a friend. Her husband is the janitor at Abby’s school. Abby had left him a thank you note for helping (not her) her friend with a locker issue.

When I asked why if I have been screaming encouraging, her to write her thank you notes from her birthday yet she writes one for this, her reply: He doesn’t have to do nice things for me. People have to give me birthday presents because they love me.

Abby logic for sure.

I fell a little more in love with this daughter of mine that day. That she is paying attention to those who show her kindness and she is willing to show her appreciation.

Abby first day of preschool.

Unbeknownst to me this gorgeous girl has become a thoughtful young lady. One who breaks my heart as often as she mends it.

Gratitude is action.  Abby and how she cares for her sister, her friends and even her school janitor? That is gratitude in action.