A year or two ago, I was pondering some of the defining moments in my life--the moments when I saw, did, or learned something that changed a little piece of who I am. In my reflection I realized that at the hub of each of those moments stood a person--a friend, a family member, an acquaintance, or a stranger--who provided me with a life-altering example or provoked some new way of thinking.
There are plenty of prominent figures in my life who have greatly shaped who I am. If I've succeeded in communicating it to them, my family and close friends know that they've had a great influence on me. However, what interested me more was realizing the vast number of people who probably have no idea what they've done for me. In brief moments when our paths have crossed, they have made a lasting impression on me. To quote from the Wicked song, "For Good":
"It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime, so let me say before we part: so much of me is made from what I learned from you. You'll be with me like a hand-print on my heart."
I made a list of these people, to which I've been adding ever since. I've written notes to some of them to tell them about their example, but most of them still don't know. Many of them never will. But I wanted to create this blog so that I can share my thanks with someone. So that I can let whoever cares enough to read it know about these people who have made a difference in my life. So that you can see the power you have in the lives of those around you.
To those on my list: although most of you will never see this blog, I want to thank you. Life is about relationships. Life is about people, and what we can learn from them. My interactions with you and others like you have made up the most beautiful parts of my little walk on this earth!
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