AN INVISIBLE THREAD CONNECTS THOSE WHO ARE DESTINED TO MEET, REGARDLESS OF TIME, PLACE, OR CIRCUMSTANCE. THE THREAD MAY STRETCH OR TANGLE, BUT IT WILL NOT BREAK.
MAY YOU BE OPEN TO EACH THREAD THAT COMES INTO YOUR BEING – THE GOLDEN ONES AND THE SPARSE ONES – AND MAY YOU WEAVE THEM INTO A BRILLIANT AND BEAUTIFUL LIFE.
An old friend sent this to me many years ago with a note that it was copied from a poster seen in a shop near Chester CT. There is something about the holiday season every year that causes me to think back about all the people who have entered, influenced and left my life in my 76 years.
I don’t think I appreciated how special my parents were and how hard they worked so that I had a happy safe childhood and teen years. They were over 40 when I was born which had to make it a little more difficult for them. We definitely did not have much money but I never remember feeling that I was missing anything. My dad died of a massive heart attack at 63 on the golf course, his very favorite place. My mom died at 94 in a skilled nursing home in Richmond VA. I was living in CA at the time. I wish now that I could go back and tell them that I remember a very happy young life and say thank you.
My shorthand teacher at Peace Junior College in Raleigh was a real terror if you did not perform to her expectations of you. Somehow she liked me and let me know what she thought I could do if I applied myself. I was the star student in that class and still take my notes in Gregg Shorthand. She also encouraged me to run for class president even though I was sure I could never win. She was right and I won in both my freshman and sophomore years. These were my first leadership roles and helped me learn what I did right and what I messed up – still good lessons for me.
I had an older boyfriend when I was 21. I thought he was much more sophisticated than I was. I figured I had to do something cooler than working as a secretary to impress him so I applied to be a stewardess with American Airlines. I was surprised again when I got the job. I clearly needed an impetus to push me out of my comfort zone to run for a class office or apply for a new job. Even after I became much cooler as a stewardess, it never worked out for us but it was while working and living in New York that I met the love of my life.
By far the person who influenced my life the most was my husband Tom. We met at a party my roommate took me to and his friend dragged him to and they both had dates. We somehow found each other in this very crowded Manhattan party. On the way home I told my roommate that I was going to marry that guy I just met. She said I was crazy but about 13 months later we got married. Had we not both been at that random party on that particular night, there was no way we would have ever met.
Tom became the encourager that I seemed to need. He had finished college and I had an AA degree. He encouraged me to complete my undergraduate degree when we lived in Maryland and to get my Master’s in Michigan. He was always the one who told me that any employer would be very lucky to get me and supported me in every job I got. He was very happy when I started volunteering after retirement and told other people about what I was doing. I only wish he could have been there with me for the Senior of the Year dinner in June 2018.
Of course my kids and their wonderful kids have been the biggest blessings of my life. I hope they know what a giant spot they fill for me.
Friends have always been very important to me but I don’t remember ever having so many fun and supportive people around. I have met many of them through Conejo Valley Village and through volunteering in our local senior community. When Tom passed away, friends were there for support in many different ways. I try to remember to tell them how much I appreciate them but doubt if I do it nearly enough.
It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life (even after retirement) that we don’t take time out to remember and be grateful for the people who have played important roles in our lives. I often wish I could go back and let these special people who are no longer here know what they did to help me in good times and not so good times and how grateful I am to have had them in my life. I hope that in some way I do let those currently in my life know what they mean to me.
I still have new threads come into my life and hope this will continue. I love where I live but don’t know if I will be in this same place forever. No matter where I go I hope I will still welcome and weave new threads into my beautiful life.
The holidays and another new year are great times to go back and remember the people who have made a positive difference In our lives and if possible let them know. Happy holidays and a wonderful and peaceful 2020.
What a wonderful, inspiring article Nancy! You obviously missed your calling as a writer. But you are one of those very gifted people who brings happiness joy and hope to others no matter what you are doing at the time. Whether you are handing out snacks to airline passengers, helping seniors in the ‘Village’ or writing inspirational blogs, you always bring out the best in others just by your presence. It would be easy to argue that the world should have more people like you, but you do a pretty good job just by yourself!
Thank you for your very kind words, Steve. I sincerely appreciate them. I think your writing skills are pretty darn excellent.
Also thanks for the help in getting my beautiful new red scarf. I have worn it to every Christmas thing I have gone to. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
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