QotD: Get Rich

What makes a person rich?

It is hard to answer this without falling into cliche and truisms. I've been thinking about this so much having just reread The Great Gatsby. Sadly while Gatsby had more material wealth than any of us could probably imagine, at the end, he is alone with no one but Nick to stand by him. In death, none of the hordes of people around him in life even bothered to show up for the funeral.

So, wealth for me is all about the people in my life whom I love and who love me. In our society, where millions are spent just on convincing us that we need this toy or that accessory, it is hard to keep a clear vision of what matters, what is valuable. I have always been blessed with plenty of things, but more importantly, I was truly wealthy because I had parents and family who not only loved me, they gave me limits, and taught me to be compassionate, grateful and honorable. Later, I had good friends who would stand by me, tell me honestly when I was wrong and love me anyway with all my faults and foibles. In my adult life I have been incredibly wealthy because of my husband who is the prototype of the "stand-up" guy. He is the one you want to "have your back" no matter what. I also have healthy children who remind me every day that as hard as it is, I want to be the best I can so that I can give them what I had, spiritually, emotionally and socially, (not materially).

And finally, I am incredibly wealthy because I have a spiritual life that keeps me grounded, yet makes me want to always aspire to Jenna. I have a strong faith in God and right and all that is good in the world, which gives me perspective on the darkest days. and a tradition of doing good for others, spreading love and care to others who need it.

So while, I don't have the McMansion, or the fancy car or the designer clothes, my kids are fed, I have lights and clean water and people around me that I think are pretty cool for a lot of reasons. I am wealthy.