You Never Know How You Touch Someone

I have found a really nice benefit to moving. It has given me an opportunity to tell some special people how important they have been to me. It has also allowed people to tell me how I have been special to them.

The people who have been important to me may not be my best friends. We may have only connected once or twice, but that connection was major. A good example is Bettie Pell. Bettie was one of the first Golden Girls to greet me when I joined back in Feb of1992. It was over at the Oakton Elementary School where we practiced on Friday nights during the winter time. You might not think that you

can practice softball in a gym but you can. You can do all sorts of drills and exercise and also get to know one another. Bettie Pell came up and introduced herself to me telling me that she spelled her name with an ie at the end instead of y. She said she would be my big sister and she really made me feel welcome. As we got to know each other, I began to call her "IE". I don't know if it bug her or not, but at least I never forgot how to spell her name. I had an opportunity last night to remember that first meeting and to thank her for her kindness. I think she appreciated it.

Today, I found out how I had helped someone. We have a lady who signed up for Curves with me earlier this year. She was originally from Korea and her English is limited but I tried to show patience and understanding as she learned how to do the machines. I thought everything was fine until one day when she came in and said her arms were tired. I told her that I would not bother with correcting her form that day and for her to do the machines as best she could. She thought I was being rude and she came and said she wanted to quit. I was floored because the last thing I ever want to do is offend anyone. She and husband came in and talked with Susan

and it was determined that it was a cultural misunderstanding. When next she came, I apologized and explained what I had meant. Since that time, I always make it a point to greet her in a friendly manner. Today, I could see that she was a little down and I asked what was wrong. She confided that her husband who is a minister was having some difficulty with his parish. She was doing everything she could to keep her husband in a positive manner but no one was helping her keep her attitude upbeat. I tried to listen attentively because she really needed to talk to someone and I think it helped. She seemed to feel better about things when she left. It was hard for her to describe what is going on in the church but I managed to get the gist and show that I understood her problem. Tomorrow, she has invited me to lunch. I feel honored that she should wish to do this after our rocky start. You just never know how you will affect someone. I am grateful for the giving and for having recieved.