I received a priceless present this Christmas. It came via Facebook. Someone from the past was trying to find me. After a bit of sorting out, we discovered I was the one she was looking for.
Here is what she wanted to tell me:
I’ve thought of you often, over the years. I guess you probably could never know, but when you showed up at my Graduation – you literally saved my life. I haven’t often felt as alone as I did that night, and I’ll never forget how you made me feel when you showed up. Like someone cared.
I’d like to thank YOU. You did literally save my life, that night you came to my Graduation. I remember clearly thinking that after the ceremony, I was going to go home and kill myself. I carried that card you gave around for almost 20 years, too.
Thank You Bea.. and God Bless You. I’ve waited 20 years to say that, and boy! Does it feel good!
Hoping you’re set up to have a Wonderful Christmas!
How it came about:
Years ago when I was taking my Master degree in Family Counseling, I was doing my practicum at the university clinic in a local high school. I remember working with a troubled family who had two daughters. It seemed to me that no one cared about the eldest daughter. She was a good kid! No one in her family was going to her high school graduation. So I decided to go. I wanted her to know that someone noticed her and someone cared. I gave her a card and a small gift.
Until I heard from her recently, little did I know how significant an impact my being there was on her or how dear she held the card I gave her. Hearing from her has warmed my heart and made me feel so good. I wanted to make a difference and I did!
You can too!
I encourage all of you to reach out to others with small gestures. You may never know if what you do or say has the impact you intend, but don’t let that get in the way. (If it wasn’t for Facebook we probably never would have reconnected.) You too could make a difference, big or small, in someone’s life.
May this Holiday Season be wonderful for you!
With Care and Concern,
Dr. Bea