I recently had someone 'find' me on social media that I had known when she was a teenager, probably 30-ish years ago. She was a teenager at the time and I was over the youth group in our church serving as the young women's president. She got married and moved on with life. We eventually moved from the area and we hadn't had any connection with her for years!
Earlier in the week, I received a private message on fb messenger. "Hi, this is (no name needed). You were my young women's leader. Do you remember me?"
And from that first message, we have been catching up on what life has brought our way over the many years since our last interactions. The heartaches, the illnesses, the things in life that have taken therapy and lots of searching to sort out, the joy of having one consistent thing that has been their anchor (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and the importance of relationships that stay with us.
I asked her why she tried to find me and decided to reach out. This is what she said, and it touched my heart deeply.
"I looked up to you as a teen. I have always been grateful for the kindness you showed me. You have and always will have, a special place in my heart."
You just never know what it is that you are doing as you are just living your life that may have an impact on someone else. I pray that most of my interactions with others are like this one. But I'm sure there are some who remember me because they felt I didn't treat them well.
I believe this is what heaven will be like.
Connecting
Remembering
Embracing
Loving
Our high school class recently held our 50 year reunion. There were people there that I hadn't seen, literally, since graduation night. People I was acquaintances with, but weren't really 'friends' with. But especially with one sweet person that was there, I feel like I have made a friend! 
Some of my classmates from the class of '75
Everyone we meet along our journey has the potential of making a difference in our lives. Maybe they are there for a lifetime, and maybe just for a season. Everyone of them is so important.
If I could give advice to my teen-age self - it would be to be friends with more people - to make my circle bigger, not smaller - and to be the kind of person that helps everyone feel that they are of worth.
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| Foggy mornings are as beautiful as clear ones. They each serve a purpose.  |
