HOLY COW! I got a shocker today.

Let me just warn you, this has shocked me more than it will shock you. I don’t want to set you up for disappointment.

The thing is, I’ve always underestimated how we affect each other. More honestly, how I affect other people. I think it’s a result of being from a big family. You get lost in the shuffle.

Sometimes, when I am noticed, it feels weird. I don’t really know what to do with the attention.

My baby brother, Ernie, is an artist and I can relate to him. We don’t talk that much but I did make an effort to trek to Kentucky for a visit last year. It was a terrific time.

Ernie banters with me and I don’t really know what’s passive aggressive and what’s just fun. I decide to take it as fun and return the banter when I’m feeling quick witted.

Today was one of those days. He emailed, “…I felt a little stupid and that made me think of you sis.”

My response was “I don’t like that. Think of me when you feel like Superman because that’s who I think you are ”

He responded with a long list of unbelievably nice things about me dating back to childhood.

That’s my “holy cow!”. I warned you…

I simply, didn’t know how to respond.

I told him I was too overwhelmed with emotions to respond and that I would get back to him. I’m a big chicken! I’m in shock.

Is it only me, or are we conditioned not to embrace praise? Why does it make me feel ever so slightly, uncomfortable?

I am beyond joyous. I am incredibly grateful.

How do I respond in a way that honors him without simply repeating back the nice things he said to me?

I think I’ll just leave it here because I have an important email to attend to. Maybe, it should be a phone call.

Till next time.