You Can Count on Me

One of the greatest gifts you can give another human being is the security that comes from them knowing they can count on you. This profound level of trust is developed and refined over time as we keep our word.

Honoring our word is a way of being that is a life long pursuit that brings infinite rewards.

This week my sister-in-law passed away from stomach cancer. Her impact on the world is best summarized by her final moments on this earth, surrounded by her children, who were holding her, caressing her, kissing her, and expressing pure acknowledgment and deep appreciation, the kind that comes to a mother who can be counted on. She gave her word and she kept her word and that instilled a comfort, a trust, a foundation upon which her kids could build their lives.

Recently, she gave her word that she would be present for her son’s wedding. Like two trains on an inevitable collision course, cancer ravaged her body and the wedding day approached. Her son lived in another state, where all the wedding festivities would be held. As her body weakened it became apparent that she would not be able to make the trip, nor survive past the wedding day.

When you are committed to keeping your word the universe aligns to support you in honoring your word.

And then the miracle happened. A loved one stepped in and arranged and paid for flights that very day for every one of her children and siblings to come to Arizona. Her future daughter in law in a moment's notice agreed to change her wedding plans and get married two days early in a living room next to a hospital bed in the presence of the woman who gave her future husband life. The next morning as loved ones trickled in from afar, a local wedding license was secured. This remarkable woman of integrity, surrounded by her loved ones, kept her word and was there for her son’s wedding. She would pass away less than an hour after the ceremony ended.

She left us with many gifts, including faith, love and commitment. I believe one of the greatest gifts she left us was the power that comes when you truly become committed to keeping your word, the power that comes to and from a person of integrity.

Today, two days later, the wedding celebrations will go on as previously planned, and no doubt, she’ll be there. You can count on that!