Turning Right

I facilitated an assembly a couple of weeks ago. The speaker that came to talk to all of the freshmen about respect, integrity, and trust. He touched on those topics, but he focused a ton on giving thanks. It was pretty refreshing. And, while it wasn't aimed at the seniors there helping out, I walked away with the strongest urge to tell all of the people in my life who have been helping me alter my thinking, most of them without even knowing, how much I actually appreciated their presence.

And, frankly, the most interesting thing about talking to each of my influences has been their shocked reactions. I feel like the fact that their personas in itself had such a great impact without intention just goes to show how incredibly wonderful and thought-provoking these folks truly are.

Two years ago, I gave one of those "friends forever" necklace pairs to a teacher I appreciate. He is my constant in my life. No matter who is mad at me, who I am mad at, or what problems I am having, I know that I can go find him at school and he will be sitting there with a smile on his face. As sad as this sounds, I don't have that many people in my life who are like that, which makes his positivity so much more valuable to me. He is my great white hope when all I hear from people is "I'm tired" and "this sucks".

Being such a great and professional teacher, he of course said we could not use the necklaces as long as I was a student, and will not refer to me as a "friend", but he accepted the necklace and assured me that once I graduated we could consider each other friends.

Here I am two years later, explaining to him how he has inspired me to keep a smile on my face, even when tears are taking over

Here I am two years later, explaining to him how he has inspired me to solve problems with grace and logic, instead of "freaking out".

Here I am two years later, all choked up when he gets up, walks over to his cabinet, and pulls out the cardboard jewelry box holding "forever".

I have never felt so supported. Thank you.