After 35 years, and thanks to technology and the internet, I was able to locate the person that made a life-long impact on me.  She was my childhood friend, Melissa Angle.  Although she had no idea at the time, when we were both in the sixth grade, she did something that I felt was extraordinary, and she became my hero.  I would like to share that story with you because she was a gift to me, and I know that each of you reading this article has had an experience with someone that has probably helped to shape your life in a positive way.

 

To provide a little bit of background for you, Melissa and I were both 12 years old attending Sharp Elementary in Brownsville, TX.  I don't know if any of you felt awkward at that age, but I was painfully shy, felt extremely self-conscious about my appearance (picture ultra skinny with thick glasses), and had little self-esteem.  In anticipation of my dad's job transfer and for other family member health reasons, my brother and I were sent to live with my grandmother and four spinster aunts (now imagine the Golden Girls sitcom).  My brother and I were each attending a new school in a new city with no ready-made friends.  When the day came for "Open House" at my school, my elderly aunt accompanied me to this event, and that's when it all happened.

 

My friend, Melissa, came over to greet me.  Then without any hesitation whatsoever, she  turned to this woman, who was a total stranger.  In an instant, she extended her arm to shake hands, smiled, made direct eye-contact and confidently introduced herself to my aunt.  "WOW" is what I thought - I couldn't believe how easy it was for Melissa to meet a total stranger, and an adult at that.  This may not seem like a big deal, but to a very timid 12-year old who was afraid of her own shadow, this was HUGE.  It is still so vivid in my mind after all these years that I still remember exactly what Melissa was wearing.  With a beautiful smile that she bestowed on my aunt and a genuine interest that she expressed in getting to know more about her, naturally my aunt was quite impressed with this young lady.  Rightfully so.  Melissa had sincerely shown warmth and confidence when meeting her.  That interaction of maybe 60 seconds was amazing to me, and it was definitely a life-changing experience. 

 

Melissa taught me that when you "let go" of being so consumed and self-conscious about yourself and make the experience all about the other person, you help to make them feel better and more comfortable right away.  It starts the process of engaging dialogue, and the awkwardness and apprehension begins to subside.  Of course, what is equally amazing is that Melissa had not a clue about how significant this was to me.  She was leading by example and didn't even know it.  Fantastic!

 

Melissa and I lost touch after she moved away, but when I located her recently, it was wonderful to tell her about what a positive difference she had made in my life.  She said to me that my having told her about this was a gift back to her.  Thus, this newsletter is purposefully intended to help spark in each of you reading this a remembrance of someone who has made a positive impact in your life and a suggestion to contact that person and let them know.  You will be providing a gift to them of the most appreciative kind and one that spreads positive energy.

 

Until next time,

 

Laura

 

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