Just Enough

Good Morning,

During one of my travels many years back I was on a layover in a small Texas airport. With nothing to do but read, wait and watch people, I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. The airline had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, I love you. I wish you just enough.

She in turn said, Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too. They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever? Yes, I have, I replied. Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye? I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead, and the reality is, the next trip back will be for my funeral," he said

When you were saying good-bye I overheard you say, I wish you just enough. May I ask what that means? He began to smile. That's a wish that has been handed down for many generations within my family. My parents used to say it to everyone. When we said I wish you just enough, we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them, he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough 'Hellos' to get you through the final 'Good-byes'.
I wish you just enough!

Peace and Love, Jim