This week my friend, Lee Moczygemba, called to tell me I’d been on her mind, a lot, and she apologized for not calling sooner. I haven’t stopped thinking about our conversation or that she will be 97 in a couple of months.
Her phone call made me feel good, and I thought it was worth sharing with you.
Lee began by telling me she wanted me to know she’d been praying for me, because she thought I might have been unhappy being alone during Covid. When I told her I’m at a great point in my life, and I’m happy and healthy, she said, “It thrills me to death to know you’re happy, because you have the biggest heart, and you’re so brave. I hope you continue to be happy, because when we’re happy, we inspire those around us.”
I’m telling you this because Lee is the one who’s inspiring and generous. You may remember her from an interview we did when she was only 94. She is one of those people who are a joy to be around.
When I asked how she’d been doing during the Covid shutdown, she said she’d had pneumonia, but she’d begun venturing out and having lunch with friends. “But I don’t want to talk about me, she said. “I’ve been living with these things in my head, and I want to tell them to you.
“Enthusiasm is one of the most priceless gifts God gives us, and I see that in you,” she said. “It’s an integral part of your charm. I hope you appreciate yourself.”
Her sweet words were in sharp contrast to the last year and a half I’ve spent, writing about a time in my life when I didn’t value and appreciate myself. I had taken the batteries out of my flashlight so I couldn’t see the monsters lurking under the bed. I’d put them in a box and closed the lid and hidden them in the back of my emotional closet. As I think about that time it’s clear my self-worth revolved around being the wife of a man who was revered and respected, and I did whatever he wanted me to do with no regard to my needs or what was best for me. As the years passed there were times, too numerous to count, when I should have died, literally, because I didn’t value myself enough to get out of this dangerous relationship.
“I wish everyone could appreciate their gifts,” Lee went on to say. “God blessed us with a brain, an imagination and a creative drive. We have the ability to get up and do something every day that will create a life richer than we could ever have imagined for ourselves.
And then she said, “I’m so proud to be 96, and I’m determined to live to be 100.
“I wish everyone was comfortable with their age, and they could hold on and fight for what they have left, instead of feeling sorry for themselves about what they have lost.”
We all need friendships like Lee’s, people who tell us we’re special instead of showering us with negativity. Perhaps we can use Lee’s phone call as an example of how to make someone else feel good. It’s the best way I know of making ourselves feel good at the same time.
26 thoughts on “LET’S APPRECIATE ONE ANOTHER”
Lee is an amazing woman! Isn’t it wonderful to have such a friend as she? She “gets” you and encourages you to appreciate yourself and your God given gifts. I haven’t read the interview you did with her but that is next on my list. xoxo
Hi Donna, We all need friends like Lee who lift us up and are positive people. I have several, and I’m so grateful. xoxox, B
Gosh that’s a fabulous phone call. Let’s not talk about me I have things on my mind I want to tell you. Well glad she did because you told US and now we all can share her optimism! I’m sorry of your hard times…leave them behind and shine.
Thank you, Carol. Except for writing a book about these difficult times I have left them behind. xoxox, B
Hi Brenda! Wow! What a wonderful phone call. Thank you for sharing. I hope to meet you when I move to Texas soon!
That’s a date, Annette! I was wondering if you’d moved yet.
Thanks Brenda
It’s good to have good friends.
In my 66 years I have learned it’s not selfish to put one’s self first. I like myself (a lot actually) and am constantly reminding myself it’s my choice to be happy. So I do!
Mark
It is a choice to be happy, Mark. Bravo for realizing this.
Great wisdom you both shared! Thank you for passing it on. I so appreciate you, Brenda! Grateful for the God-given light you share. Hope you have a joyous day celebrating how God designed you, and the blessing of sharing His good gifts! Hugs!
You bless me every time you leave me a message, Beckye. Thank you. Love, Brenda
I remember your interview with Lee Moczygemba and thinking she was attractive and stylish. Now I know she is full of wisdom and kindness. You are still as pretty now as in your photo from the seventies. I loved seeing it and were you actually racing that Porsche?
Thanks, Colleen. Yes, this was one of several Porsches my husband and I raced. xoxox, Brenda
Brenda, you are the best. Thanks for sharing this!
Awe! Thanks so much, Bonnie! I appreciate and value you. xoxox, Brenda xoxox
What a wise lady. And a wonderful friend x
Lee is a great friend, Hilda. She’s one in a million. xoxox, Brenda
WELL THIS MADE MY DAY!
SHE IS SO SPOT ON!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT……………..XOXO
THINK I WILL READ IT!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I can’t wait to share your comments with her. xoxox, Brenda
“Enthusiasm is one of the most priceless gifts God gives us, and I see that in you,” she said. “It’s an integral part of your charm. I hope you appreciate yourself.”
WHO DOES THIS REMIND YOU OF BESIDE YOURSELF!?
XOX
YOU, DEAR ONE! xoxox, Brenda
Wow! You’ve always been beautiful. Thanks for sharing this photo and Lee’s phone call. Xo Barbara
Thank you, sweet lady! I’m glad you enjoyed them. xoxox, Brenda
So interesting. I’ve reached out to two people I have not been in contact with for years. There must be something in the air. What a lovely woman. of course I think you draw this kind of person to you. It starts right with you!
Sandy, I love the idea of something in the air, but I think you’re right about being drawn to people. Thank you, sweet friend. Love, Brenda
“[…] because when we’re happy, we inspire those around us.”
I’m thrilled you had such a great experience in California. I so need a writer community. My book is stalled right now. But I also know it’s supposed to be. For now.
xxL
I have a couple of ideas for you. One is to check out Laura Munson’s Haven Writing Group. She holds writing retreats in Whitefish, Montana, and on the internet. The other idea will be in my next blog post. xoxox, Brenda
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