Viva la Difference

A letter I found from an old friend, who taught me a lot about living and gave me words to live by. Dated September 10, 1999.

"My mother died this summer, and the months leading up to her passing and the months since have been times of great introspection and soul searching. I think you will be pleased to know, Marcia, I have decided I kind of like the person my mother taught me to be----the kind of person who in today's world is a little different---different because I wear a smile and am happy most of the time; I speak to people; I look at the positive side of things rather than the negative; I think of other people and encourage them and notice them and make them feel special; I show care and compassion and respect to all; I don't make fun of other people; I don't gossip; I don't backstab and I'm not mean-spirited, boorish, sullen, secretive, flippant, rude, spiteful, vindictive nor two faced; I don't hold grudges I'm enthusiastic; I show my inner happiness; I like to have fun. If thats being different, viva la difference!"