I've heard that it's better to give than to receive. But I'm here to tell you that the1of receiving should never be underestimated(低估)。
I was nine when my Dad and Mom moved out, and took me to the 2 of my grandparents, who took care of my needs with meals. I decided at that age, in my loneliness and anger, that if my own parents couldn't be trusted, I'd have to become fiercely 3, needing no one.
Believe it or not, I took care of everyone in my life, even when I was in worse shape. Once in a while, 4, someone would do something for me at just the moment.
Once, when I was a single parent, I took my son to see Santa Claus. When he wanted to buy the photo that was taken, I opened my 5, only to find that I didn't have enough money. When I got to the counter to 6 the photo, I was told that someone in line ahead of me had seen me 7 my change and had paid for me. I rushed out to thank the person whose small kindness 8 so much. I found not a soul in sight. I wanted to9 that I didn't need this and I just didn't have enough cash on that 10day. I realized then that it's okay. It's okay to let someone do something for me, 11I could have done it myself.
I have received the blessings of those whose acts of kindness and 12 have found me when I needed them most. I believe that it's not about my strength and independence. It's about allowing the giver to be blessed when the gift is graciously(优雅地)13. For me, it's about a long-lost little girl who is no longer 14. Now I know that giving and receiving are two halves of a whole, each 15without the other.
