Several weeks ago I sent out copies of an article to everyone on my database, just as a way to keep in touch. Soon after, I received this beautiful email message from a client whose company I had spoken to over six years ago. I am sharing it with her permission:
Dear Barbara,
What a wonderful surprise! Today, as I was slogging through my huge piles of mail – (I was off playing in Florida last week)- I came across your direct mail piece: “Sarasota Downtown & Beyond.” I read it from cover to cover (what a gorgeous photo – I LOVE your outfit and the setting!!) and then couldn’t resist logging on to your website. Long story short – I’ve just spent the last hour catching up with you and your amazing life!
I think of you often as I keep the beautiful Swarovski crystal “gift” that you gave me on my desk. It is a constant reminder of the very special gift/message you shared with our team. I can’t believe that so much time has passed! At the time you were with us – you had just decided to sell the Illinois home and move to Florida.
I’m so happy that life continues to provide wonderful opportunities for you! It was such fun to read about your life in Sarasota, your world travels (I LOVE NYC, too!) and the beautiful stories you shared (about Erin and life changes, God’s answer to your question about being tired and whether you were making a difference, and best of all your beautiful birthday poem from Buns 1!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY – you have become even more beautiful!
It’s way past time for us to have you make a return appearance
although I’m a bit hesitant to ask you to come to Wisconsin during the winter! I’m working on our 2009 meeting schedule and will contact you with dates before the end of the year. I’ve ordered all your new books and am especially looking forward to reading “The Simple Truths of Appreciation: How Each of Us Can Choose to Make A Difference”.
Barbara, THANK YOU for making such a special difference in this world and in my life! I am a huge fan of the Broadway show “Wicked”. and think of you as I listen to the song, “For Good,” from this incredible show (have you seen it?) because knowing you has changed me and my life for GOOD.
I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed 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 of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend…
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
With love and appreciation!
Cathie
Catherine J. Tierney, CCUE
President/CEO
Community First Credit Union
What a touching and appropriate message for me to share with you during this Thanksgiving week! I had not heard from Cathie for several years, yet she took precious time to share with me the difference my words had made in her life. I will save this message forever.
Is there someone in your life who has changed you “for good?” Please take the time this week to thank them. You will feel wonderful, and they will never forget your appreciation. I have said to many audiences that my idea of Heaven is seeing all the people we have touched in some way in our lives that we knew nothing about-maybe just a smile, a kind word, or simply listening with our hearts. This is your special chance to show them while they are on Earth!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
If you would like to see a copy of the article Cathie mentioned, please visit http://barbaraglanz.com/articles/support/5minutes.pdf.
Visit www.barbaraglanz.com/articles for more inspiring articles.
