The Kindness (and Legacy) of Making Others Feel Welcomed

"Each day holds a surprise.  But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us.  Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy.  It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity."
~ Henri Nouwen

I went to the wake for my sister-in-law's grandmother tonight.  When I heard that this wonderful woman had unexpectedly passed away yesterday, on Mothers' Day, what I thought about was how welcoming she had always been to me.  When my youngest brother introduced us to his fiancée's family, the grandmother immediately made me feel welcomed.  And she made me feel that way every time I went to her house and every time I saw her.  With her characteristic smile and good humor, she had a way about her that drew people to her and that made them feel welcomed and special.  That is what people were talking about at the wake and I couldn't help thinking what an amazing legacy that is.