THE WEALTHIEST POOR PERSON

It has often been thought that a person has to have an unlimited amount of money or assets in order to be considered wealthy. In some regards, this thought could be reasoned to be true. However, as with most rules of thumb, there is always an exception.

Annie never had much. She never had much money. Just the necessities. A roof over her head, four children, food for her family, and a bunch of grandchildren and great-grand children. But Annie never had much.

She lived in a small two bedroom trailer for the last part of her life, along with most of the other people in her daughter's family. It was cramped, but it was a loving home. Always food. Always a place to sleep. Always safe. Always full of wisdom. Always comfort. Always gifts at Christmas, birthdays, and graduations. Always guidance. Always laughter. Always a shoulder to cry on. Always forgiveness. But Annie never had much.

She kept a special place in her heart for those who were in need. She was always willing to give what little she had to those who she thought needed it more. She welcomed all into her home. She accepted without question. She gave without question. What little she did have ended up in the hands of others most of the time. She always gave up watching her favorite television shows so someone else could watch wrestling or a ball game. She ate the fat while someone else ate the meat from a pork chop. But Annie never had much.

Her husband passed away. Her daughter passed away. A great- grandchild passed away. Friends passed away. But Annie never had much.

Annie passed away a short time ago. She was buried in a small cemetery with not many people there, mostly friends of others in her family. She was dressed only in a purple nightgown. No make up. No fancy frills. She had been placed in plain metal coffin. But Annie never had much.

Even after Annie passed away, she still continues to teach us about how to live. Everyday something profound she said while she was with us comes to mind in the most uncanny ways. "Practice what you preach," she would say. Annie always did that. "Stand your ground." She never backed down from her beliefs. She always meant what she said. "Don't let the sun go down before you've made up your differences with (name here)." She always forgave. "You gotta take what's coming to you." She always accepted responsibility. And some other ones that I haven't been able to figure out like, "Climb under the table and spell able." In any case, Annie never had much.

If you haven't guessed by now, Annie was my grandmother. There were many instances in my life that I took advantage of that friendship and of the love that she gave me. Many times did I ignore the advice and wisdom that she gave me only to have it come true. But Annie never had much.

Annie never had much. But what did I have? She was much more than just a grandmother to me though. She was my mentor, my provider, and most of all, she was my friend. Much like the song goes, I didn't know what I had �till it was gone.

I think that everyone that knew her would agree with me when I say that Annie was the wealthiest poor person that anyone has ever known. Although being virtually penniless all her life and having went back to her home in heaven, Annie was wealthy to the utmost degree. She was a teacher of life, a giver of unconditional love, and a true angel. Annie never had much, but only if you measure it in terms of money.

Written by Ken Haywood, Annie's grandson

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