Pay It Forward

In considering this prompt, I felt surprised, fortunate and grateful to realize I’ve entered a stage in life where the word “debt” first conjures feelings of gratitude, instead of fear, shame and worry. To whom do I owe a debt? My parents. My teachers, who encouraged me when they didn’t have to. The aunt who quietly noticed what was missing in my life and stepped in to fill it, the aunt who gifted me with her time and presence. The doctors who saved me, the nurses who cared for me. None would demand payment, which is good, because what they gave can’t be directly reimbursed. It has to be paid forward, and that is a challenge I am lucky to have.

— cpb