Special People In Our Lives

A friend of mine shared recently how a special person in her life very nearly “saved her life.”  It seems when she was small, she found herself in the presence of this “special person” often.  Without realizing it, an impression was being made, even if along the way, bad choices were made. 

My friend described herself as bullheaded and difficult, creating a situation where a dramatic decision was made by her “special person” that was both wonderful yet horrifyingly painful.  At the time my friend was angry, resentful and wanted to lash out, yet her “special person” stayed solid as a rock, unwavering in her decision.  Years later, my friend could see the wisdom of the decisions made and in this way “saved her life.”

I don’t know all the circumstances my friend was describing because it was clear the events were traumatic and she wasn’t ready to share that information.  But it made me think about people in my life who made a difference.  

It’s interesting, I found a “Mr. Rogers” clip that was very moving about just this kind of thing.  http://www.petzoid.com/mr-rogers-message/   We often, in our daily lives, do not realize the impact we have on other people.  It may be a simple act of spontaneous kindness that another person desperately needed.  Perhaps it was nothing more than smiling at a stranger or saying hello!  It could be a sibling who sacrificed time and energy for another sibling who was going through a bad time, or the parent, aunt our uncle who stepped in during a particularly rough time in our life.

What I found particularly interesting is how my friend shared her grateful heart with her “special person” many years later.  She wrote a public letter, without including specifics of the situations, and posted it for all the world to see.  I find this action particularly touching and maybe even courageous.  Surely there would be those who knew the particulars and could immediately identify what she was referring to.  There would be others, like me, who don’t know and choose not to ask.  But certainly there are others who would not hesitate to ask questions regarding the details.   It would be here she would have to decide how much of her past she would make public, some, all or perhaps even none.  It is, after all, no one’s business but hers.

Life is a precious gift and very often we forget that.  We not only fail to remember that, but we also neglect to thank someone who has helped us in ways they may not even know.  There’s no shame in admitting we needed or need help in any situation.  We are human and sometimes situations become so complex and convoluted, we can’t see clearly.  We become so wrapped up in the emotional side of it, our focus is skewed, and we end up make a bad decision because we are too proud to ask for help.

I challenge you first to reflect on your past and remember a person (or more) who impacted your life in specific ways.  It could be all positive memories or it could be tinged with a hint of “If they hadn’t stepped in, said something, or done something,” I could have easily made a bad decision.  Second, I challenge you thank the person you just thought of.  Let him/her know you are grateful they were (or are) a part of your life.