Thinking about gratitude

I know its not Thanksgiving... but yesterday I spent most of the day flustered and upset about some people's lack of gratitude. I grew up in a family that encouraged please and thank-you's-- if not required them. But yesterday I was pondering upon this. I have a friend who attempted to ease someone else's bad day by giving them what they wanted. However, instead of a thank you, they were accused of being selfish! Why? It seems that this friend, we will call them Tucker... was giving all he could. I just sat there confused. Not only does he take care of the bad days... but he is a loan officer on weekends when they come up short, a weekend buddy, and a sunday cook for them. It just didn't make sense that someone could love and share so much and yet receive nothing back.
But in sharp contrast to this. I have a friend that I love to spoil with presents. There is just something fun about buying things... I think most of it is the way their face lights up and the way they say thanks! Is that silly? I enjoy buying gifts because it makes me happy to see them happy?
I don't know. I just seemed to go over how little we appreciate in life. Its just a little thing to say thank you... But it makes such a big difference.
I guess the thing I walk away with, is never let the chance to say thanks go past. Always thank those who do things for you. My parents are wonderful helpers and supporters for me. I have a best friend who is there to talk to on my sad days and laugh with while I play Mario. I have Candace who is a soul sister! I am grateful for the world I live in... for the way of life that I enjoy... I hope that things are always good.
And to Tucker, I hope he sees that his actions make him worth more than anything else. I hope he sees that his heart is in the right place and to just blow off the unthankful attitudes of others. And I want "Tucker" to know that he is right, they are wrong. He is big, they are little. And in the end, it all comes back to you.