I was recently puzzled by a text message. I didn't recognize the area code or telephone number. From the content of the message, the individual reaching out to me was someone I had known for several years.
Time has a way of getting away from me. Was it this year, or last year that my iPhone crashed and I lost all of my contact information? I certainly couldn't tell anyone, "I've got your number," because I didn't.
The discovery was enough to ruin my day, but I decided that friends had my number even if I didn't have theirs. I'd simply rebuild my list of contacts as friends reached out to me. Seriously, what other choice did I have?
I surmised that the person reaching out to me was years younger. Was it a man or a woman? I didn't know. The person mentioned my blog. I've been writing since April 2014. Could I have known this person that long?
I had questions, but I was without answers. The person wrote: "Hello Sir. Just thought I'd text and say I have enjoyed your blog over the years, and although I do not reach out near enough, I think about you often and wish you and your family all the best. You sir, are thoroughly worth knowing! Hope we run into each other again in the near future."
There was something about the affirmation, "you are certainly worth knowing," that tugged at my heartstrings. It was a gift of kindness.
Over the years, Craig has shared my Facebook postings with his Facebook friends. Consequently, I've been gifted with the ability to communicate with and get to know some of his Marine Corps buddies. Could the message have come from one of them? It was anyone's guess.
This is my response to the message: "Thank you for your kind words. When my telephone crashed, I lost all of my contacts. Consequently, from your number, I don't know your identity. However, I can say with certainty that "you are thoroughly worth knowing." I'd welcome an opportunity to connect with you. Thanks - Help me with your name."
As it turns out, I have known the person since 1998. He was a colleague/friend from the organization where I worked. We were not in the same location, but we met at a weeklong training session and a friendship formed that has withstood the test of time.
I'll not share his story because his story is not mine to share. I am grateful for the gift of his friendship. In remembering the week we shared in the summer of 1998, he was one of two "licensed professional counselors" in the group. Both convinced me that seeing the movie, "Saving Private Ryan" would be therapeutically beneficial for me in dealing with my brother's loss. Consequently, the three of us went to the movie together.
Seeing the movie wasn't therapeutically beneficial, but the friendship that has lasted a quarter of a century has been of great value.
All My Best!
Don
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