It started as an affirmation ...
I saw your new room last night; it's so invitingly warm and welcoming. Your Dr. Seuss paintings are incredible. I admire your artistic talent and flair.
... punctuated with a bit of humor.
Oh, and if that adorable Lorax canvas goes missing after I'm gone, I promise I had nothing to do with its disappearance.
It ended with a kindness I will never forget.
A stowaway in my luggage, with this note written on the back,
and signed by the BEAutiful artist herself:
Because today I really needed someone like you to cross my path.
I don't usually run out of words, but this was one of those times.
It was for me.
From Beatriz.
Just because.
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot ...
Her gift lives out the essence of my message that day,
my challenge for each teacher in that California cafetorium,
and everywhere I go ... to be the one.
The hero you needed as a child.
The one who cares more than a whole awful lot.
The one who lights up the darkest of places.
The one who goes ga-ga ...
crazy even.
Irrationally crazy.
Just because ...
So today I'm grateful ... for an irrationally-crazy gift from Beatriz.
One that punctuates Dr. Seuss' words a whole awful lot.
One that makes me want to be better, kinder, more generous.
Because even grown-ups need that one.
