Kristy Kelly: Overwhelmed with gratitude
If I could have any superpower, what would it be? This question was asked during a recent video project I worked on. Without hesitation, or much thought, I said invisibility. I’ve spent a lifetime perfecting the art of blending in—being seen but not noticed. True invisibility held a deep appeal.
Who knew that just a few weeks later, I would change my answer? So many things have happened in such a short time. A group of tenth graders restored my faith in humanity. I stood on a magical rooftop with a view that married artistic creativity and stubborn ingenuity. A toddler’s Christmas saga shifted my perspective. Addressing save-the-date postcards humbled me in unexpected ways. It’s been a busy few weeks.
I had the opportunity to interview a group of tenth graders because I wanted to write an article about why people under the age of eighteen are so interested in politics. One by one, they restored my faith in humanity with the respect they held for one another and the passion they brought to their answers. Because I sometimes can’t help myself, one article turned into four. I told them to use their voices when opportunities arose because no one would ever advocate for their needs better than they could.
For someone who doesn’t always practice what she preaches, I had the audacity to look these students in the eyes and urge them to speak up. The whole way home, I alternated between elation at enjoying the roundtable and dread as I replayed every single mishap or misspoken word. When I couldn’t find something concrete to topple my joy, my brain just made some up.
Shifting from moments of inspiration to personal milestones, I’ve been procrastinating on anything related to my upcoming wedding. Thankfully, a close friend has stepped in to keep me on track with planning the big day. I’d always assumed I’d get married at the courthouse, so I’d never given much thought to venues or imagined where I’d say ‘I do.’ But standing on the rooftop of the O’Neil Hotel—a place that will soon host the most important day of my life—not only made my wedding plans feel real but also gave me a breathtaking new perspective on the city I call home. More than just the coolest spot to get married, the rooftop offered a stunning view of Kinston in all its glory. If you’ve never seen the city from six stories up, you’re truly missing out. That rooftop made everything real. As soon as I got home, I bought the dress that had been sitting in my shopping cart for over a year.
The holidays weren’t all sunshine and rainbows. On Christmas Eve, I was deeply affected by seeing a toddler dropped off like an unwanted package. While I don’t know her full story, she left a profound impact on me. At not even two years old, she was overwhelmed with gratitude for a hastily rewrapped gift. She must have asked, “Is this for me?” at least six times. For a child who only knows a handful of words, her repeated question was heartbreaking. The joy she found in something so simple is something I’ll never forget. It reminded me of how much I take for granted.
None of these events prepared me for the task of addressing save-the-date cards. For someone who gets social anxiety when there are more than five people in a room, planning a party where I’ll be the center of attention is overwhelming. It never occurred to me that I’d struggle with having too many people to invite. I’m starting to wonder if my anxiety will let me attend the big day. So many people have touched my life in positive ways, and I want them all there to celebrate with us.
As this year wraps up, what I really want to say is thank you. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. Thank you for encouraging me to write more. Thank you for building me up with your emails and texts.
I don’t know what superpower I would pick if I were asked the same question today. I know it wouldn’t be invisibility. I’d miss my life too much.
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