When a foreign president asked a 104-year-old woman for her secret to longevity, she replied that it was humor and the habit of gratitude. Since her marriage at age 25, the words she said most often were "thank you." She expressed gratitude to her husband, parents, children, neighbors, and nature for their care, as well as for every peaceful, warm, and happy day. Whether it was a kind word, a small act, or a friendly smile, she never forgot to say "thank you." Over eighty years, these two simple words allowed her to grow up happily, live long, and find lasting fulfillment.
A teacher passed away from cancer. His final words to the world were "thank you": thank you to his family for their day-and-night care, thank you to the doctors and nurses for their dedicated treatment, and thank you to the students who came to visit.
To thank someone who helped return his lost child to their home, a mountain farmer searched through thousands of households in a small county, all just to say "thank you" in person.
On her mother's birthday, a blind girl gave her a gift: Braille text painstakingly applied to a birthday card. When her mother had the text explained, she was moved to tears, considering it the most precious gift of her life. The Braille read: "Mom, thank you for raising me! Although you couldn't give me eyes, thank you for giving me life; although I cannot see you, I will love you forever. Thank you."
