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Thought for the Day: Real Wealth

Several years ago, while I was in the middle of chemotherapy, a m'shulach knocked at the door.  He was collecting for a two needs, one personal and one for a kollel.  I gave him what I could for each, he thanked me and was on his way.  Later that evening I developed a serious infection and needed to be rushed to the hospital.  As we were heading for the front door we heard a knock.  My wife opened the door only to find the same m'shulach having returned.  He was concerned that he had mixed up the checks and wanted to be sure that he didn't misappropriate the funds.  (We are not talking a lot of money; funds were tight.)  No m'shulach had ever done that before (or since); I was on my way to the hospital and decided that maybe I was lacking in z'chusim and needed one more mitzvah.  I wrote him another check (also not big), told him I couldn't shake his hand because of my condition.  He showered me with brachos for health.

Every year since then, that m'shulach has occupied a special place in our hearts.  Every year he comes and first asks about my health, how the children are doing, etc.  Some years I have not been able to give him more than $18, but he always brightens up our home with divrei torah and brachos.  He gives us the same brachos for health, nachas from the children, and parnassa every time and always with the same enthusiasm.  As soon as my wife (who does not usually accompany me to the door for m'shulachim) hears his voice, she comes out to greet him also.  He asks about the our health and family, then we ask about his.  He was just here and he left us (as usual) with a vort; simple and to the point.  "Eiza hu ashir?  Ha'so'mei'ach b'chelko."  How do you spell "ashir"?  Ayin = einaiyim, Shin = shinayim, Yud = yadayim, Reish = raglayim.  If you have your eyes, teeth, hands, and feet.  Once you learn to appreciate and take joy in the fact that you have eyes, teeth, hands, and feet, then you are wealthy.
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