A Letter Not Forgotten

In 1997, I received a letter that lifted my spirits and filled me with joy - a letter I have never forgotten.

My house at the time was on a rural mail route. I walked out to the mailbox and flipped through the mail as I strolled back up the driveway. One envelope caught my eye: Addressed by hand, with a foreign stamp. There was no return address, but across the back flap was written, "Guess who writes from Morocco?"

I didn't know anyone in Morocco! Still, the handwriting looked familiar. Inside the house, I immediately put down the rest of the mail to open the mysterious letter. It was from Ursula Schneider, who had been my secretary in Germany in the late 1980s.

Immediately below the date, Ursula wrote, "You may not realize it, but this is a special day. It was ten years ago today that you hired me to be the Institute's secretary." She wrote to thank me for giving her the job she still held ten years later. I found it very moving - and still do! - that she took time in the middle of a foreign vacation to write me a thank-you note. For days, I walked with a spring in my step and my head held high, simply because of her thoughtfulness.

Each of our lives has been touched and blessed by many. Think of someone who helped or encouraged you, whether last week or last year or ten years ago. Then sit down and write a thank-you note. I guarantee he or she will be thrilled!

All that we have is gift, in one way or another. May we ever remember to be grateful.

By the way, at the time you receive this newsletter, Jan and I will be traveling in Germany. Among the people we will visit are Ursula Schneider and her husband. Although we have not seen each other in more than 20 years, that thank-you note cemented an enduring friendship.