Who Has Made An Impact On Your Life?

I’ve heard it said that death, ironically, can teach you a lot about life. Now, I’m not sure I’ve always believed that, but every so often, someone unexpectedly comes into your life and changes it in the most surprising ways.

Last weekend, we attended the memorial service for a church friend of ours. Frank had been battling cancer for more than three years, and although I’d known his wife for years, I only met him a few years ago. Cute story: He and his wife, Sue, had been high school sweethearts, went their separate ways and then married years later after they reconnected.

Anyway, Frank was an unassuming, yet extremely intelligent man. He was a scientist, lawyer and journalist and local civic leader, but he wasn’t the type to go around with his shoulders all puffed out; it was more of a quiet, humble confidence. He loved to talk and listen and connect with people, even up until his last days. It didn’t seem to matter who you were or where you came from; he seemed to have something in common with everyone he met.

It’s amazing what we learn from people, isn’t it? Especially when we don’t even realize it at the time. Sometimes people come into your life and leave a lasting impression — even if you only know them for a short time.

Frank was most definitely one of those people. His quiet presence showed me that your voice doesn’t have to be the loudest in the room, that you don’t have to be the most physically strong or the most connected to make a huge difference. You just have to have a passion and be determined to make the world a better place. And Frank? The world is a better place because Frank lived.

At the end of the memorial service, we read these words by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which couldn’t have been more appropriate. Live. Laugh. Love. Connect. And enjoy life — in honor of Frank. I’m pretty sure if you look around at your own life, you’ll see people who have made more of an impact than you realized. Because the world needs more of those impactful people, so be sure to thank them for all they’ve done and all they will do. And, be that person for someone else. After all, the world could always use more Franks. xoxo