The Power of Words

I was talking on the phone with my Dad a few days ago, and I made a comment regarding being a good driver because he taught me. My Dad worked for UPS for 30 years as a delivery driver, and since we live in the ninth largest county in the US (population around 9000 for the entire county) he drove 400 miles every day. When I turned 15, my Dad was the one who took me out and taught me the ins and outs of being a safe driver. Living in Harney County, over that year, I experienced every possible circumstance while learning-snow, hail, rain, bright sun in the eyes, severe winds, night driving on rural roads and many critters, from domestic animals to cows and deer. I learned so much from my Dad that still today, I consider myself a very good driver.

When I made that comment to him, his voice got very quiet, and he said, "thank you, I really needed a pick me up today, and that made me feel really good." I could hear tears in his voice, and when we hung up, I started thinking about how my nonchalant remark was so very important to him. I can't help but wonder as this illness takes a little more from me each day, how many times have I NOT told someone how much they mean to me, for the little things, and the big things, they've done that have shaped and defined my life.  I can't help but wonder when I will no longer have the opportunity to do so.........

Today, everyday, I am making a commitment to make certain that I find a way to tell everyone exactly how I feel about the role they have played in my life, to say thank you a thousand times while I still can. I think that we often times take for granted that the person already knows, but after that conversation with my Dad, I realized that isn't always the case.  Today, everyday,  tell someone in your life how their actions and/or words made a difference in your world, your growth, your self-esteem, your state of mind, your well-being, your path, your choices-you won't be disappointed.