Just like me, I am sure that you have had many people in your life who have impacted who you are.  Some I recognize as having shaped me and others I may not even remember that it was their kind words that spurred me on (or their thoughtful chastising that veered me back on track).

My friend Bert, who passed away last week was the kind of person who touched many lives.  She was the kind, motherly voice of reason, she was the cheerleader who could spur one on to victory, she was a "faithful servant" who could comfort the most forlorn.  And perhaps most important of all, listening to the tributes at her funeral, talking to family and friends afterward, I realized she was the exact same person to all of us.  She was who she was.  No airs. No need for pretence.

   
The tough lesson I had to learn, or re-learn, is that when you feel compelled to tell someone how much they mean to you, to not hesitate.  Don't wait because you will see them next week... or wait to call them when you are less busy... today with my friend transitioned beyond this world, I don't even remember what I was busy with, clearly it wasn't as important as I allowed it to be.  Obviously, it wasn't more important than that phone call or visit to pass along how much joy my friend had brought to my life.

Sometimes we make a small gesture - others quickly join in and the effect is obvious and fun to be a part of.   Other times we simply are who we are and we may never know what that has meant to someone whose path we have crossed.

Today, let's celebrate the lives of those who have shaped us.

 
(Thanks Bert)