Being Touched

Here’s a message I received just a few days ago. “Comment: It was about 50 years ago in Battle Creek that my mom and I went to one of your creative writing classes. I’ve always appreciated the inspiration that you gave me. Just wanted to say thank you.”  I checked it out and it was fifty years ago that I taught that class in Battle Creek, 1969.  The title was “You Can Sell Your Writing.”  Ever so often I receive a wonderful note like that. What a thrill it is. 1969 was a turning point in my life. That note started me thinking, “Who touched my life 50 years ago?” and then, “Have I taken the time to thank them for their inspiration?”   An unexpected “Thank You” is such a precious gift to receive. 

I have a big wall in my office behind my printer and there is a space about 3 feet tall and seven foot long just crammed full of photos of the people who have touched my life. I believe that I have thanked them all time and time again but just now one popped up and reminded me that I should contact him and thank him one more time. This has me really thinking and remembering. I think I will spend some time thanking others who have helped me along the way and God knows there are really hundreds of them.  If you are one of those I have overlooked and you are reading this, thank you so much for touching my life.