"Be content to seem what you really are"
~Marcus Aurelius

I was reading a marketing brief recently and came upon the above thought for the day, which is especially meaningful for me. Let me explain.
 
Jim and I unexpectedly visited his family in Scotland over the holidays-Jim's mom was in rapidly declining health. We were fortunate to spend a few days at her bedside in a lovely, well-run nursing home in Falkirk.

We were delighted by this homey facility and the wonderful caring and inspiring staff that ran it. It was a most appropriate place for our dear and wise "mum" to gracefully exit this world.
My mother-in-law, Charlotte Gourlay, would have been 86 on Jan 19th, and I have been truly honoured to know her.

Charlotte inspired me with wonderful stories and anecdotes during our visits throughout the years. She taught me many things, from how to cook authentic Scottish dishes like steak and kidney pie, to the value of ironing (she pushed it with ironing children's socks and underwear!!)

But most importantly, she taught me the power of contentment. She was so very "content to seem what she really was"...a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. We will miss her greatly.

Linda