The Strawberry Chapter 10

The Strawberry Chapter 10

A simple seed dropped lived on after death.

By Katherine Aguilar

This chapter shows how planting a small seed in someone’s life can influence people far beyond one’s lifetime. Even when our actions seem insignificant or are long forgotten, they can continue to grow and impact others. The initial planter may never know the full legacy they leave behind, unless someone documents it, but the influence remains and spreads.

One of the seeds that influenced me most is still growing long after its planter, my mother, passed away. She always said, “See a piece of paper on the ground, pick it up.” This habit, which started as a simple rule growing up, became a core value. Even during her eulogy last year, this phrase was remembered. For eighty years, she tirelessly shared this message, showing how one small lesson can persist across a lifetime and generations. The whole family heard the phrase. It was a staple of conversation. About picking up a piece of paper. She would go to a church, where she may not have had money on her, but if she went, she would pick up a piece of paper. We would go to the grocery store. She would constantly pick up a piece of paper. It was ingrained in her mind to do it. Even when she was close to her death. She would see a piece of paper. There she would go and pick it up. When she was almost close to passing away. I told my mother, "You can stop picking up paper". She would say. " How can you pass by that paper and not pick it up?" As I got older, there I was doing the same thing, picking up a paper. The seed of picking up paper. It is so deep in our family's brain. I go to the store, see a piece of paper, and pick it up. I at least pick up one piece of paper. I have worked with younger people, and I end up telling them the same thing," to pick up the piece of paper." They would say it is not my job. It would let them know it is not their job to pick up after you when you decide to leave it dirty. They do pick up the paper. I let them know that if you want a place to look nice, you should make it look better. Even if it is as simple as picking up one piece of paper.

Many of my siblings and children have adopted this practice, too. One even joined a city beautification group. The seed my mother planted is still growing, now spreading to a new generation. What started as a small act became a powerful tradition. Its full reach may never be known, but the impact is clear: a better world, one small action at a time.

Romans 12:17 instructs believers never to repay evil for evil, but to focus on doing what is honorable and right in the sight of everyone.

Was this ever meant to be a lasting influence, or was it simply about keeping a place clean? Gradually, the action became a lasting influence—a true seed planted in our lives.

The job

When choosing a career, I have had varied interests. I enjoy marketing and do well with it. Each job, I moved closer to marketing, but life shifted me elsewhere. I wasn't usually fired—only once, for breaking a vacuum. I've broken at least five or six vacuums now. Friends and family ask, “How can you break a vacuum?” I say, “I don’t know, it just stopped working.”

I stayed at other jobs because I liked the people, not just the pay. Most people I've worked with are still friends, even from my high school job and the job I have now.

I have had some unexpected job choices, and I often wonder if my Faith is leading me. With each new job, I assess what’s needed and commit to doing it well, no matter the role. I approach every job methodically, reading manuals and learning the ropes.

I tell myself I'm here because of Faith, and there must be a reason. In one job, I worked security, which was interesting since I'd never done it. It put me front and center with those tempted to steal.

Even when I feel uncertain or make mistakes due to dyslexia, I rely on my upbringing. Faith leads me into each job, and I use what I’ve learned to assess the situation and give my best effort. Whatever the job, I trust there is a reason for being there.

The job was enjoyable and gave me constant opportunities to interact with people. I found myself listening to their stories—sometimes, it felt like my workplace became a therapy room. People would share, “I don’t even know why I came in today. I didn’t really need anything.”

Then it hit me: people go to places just “to be heard.”

The challenge is that few people are willing to listen, but when someone does, it can feel truly special.

It's like finding Gold!