Storey Time

Yes that's s-t-o-r-E-y....As is in Storey Mason, a young girl, wise beyond her years.

Let's back up to Saturday, May 8th. Derek and I celebrated our birthday, a few days early, and what a blessing to have our family and friends to share such a special day with us. I had to sit back at the end of it all, take a deep breath and let the sweet, warm memories of the day marinate in my heart and mind. I've been told to "drink deeply for the cup (of life) passeth but once." I wanted to absorb every feeling I felt that day, every smile I saw, every hug I received, every laugh, ever face, every smell, every conversation, EVERYthing.

But one memory, in particular, truly touched my heart. After the guests departed, Derek and I shared a moment reading cards and sweet birthday wishes that the guests wrote for us. A 9 year old, young lady, Miss Storey, sweet, lively, and bright, wrote, what I consider, one of the kindest, most thoughtful birthday notes.

Sidebar: Storey is the daughter of my camera guy, Bruce, whom I have spent almost every work-day with for the last year. Bruce and I have come to know each other quite well, and although I have met his daughter just a few times, I hear stories about her every day and I feel as though I know her very well.

Storey wrote "I hope you have a wonderful birthday...and when I found I out you were leaving I cried...I'm going to miss you so much...love you lots~Storey"

While these are simple words, they carry big meaning. Although Storey and I have seen one another fewer times than I can count on 2 hands, her child-like honesty melted my heart and I was shocked that she was so impacted by my departure. So, it got me thinking about the people in our lives that pass in and out. The ones we may never call best friends, we may never be invited to their wedding, or get a phone call when they're expecting their first child. But...there are people, every day, that admire you, look up to you, and truly care about you....but we may never even know who they are.

In this world full of cynics and critics, I want you to know that you still have big fans, whether they are 9 or 99. There are people who still applaud your successes and cheer you on to a better tomorrow. They may never be able vocalize their support or have a chance to write you a birthday wish, but they are out there. Your actions, your treatment of others, your speech, they are all being looked upon and judged (good or bad).

I was so humbled by Storey's words. Remember that you are an influence, know that you are being observed, and never forget who we should be representing. Love endlessly, forget the naysayers, and be true to you. Be authentic, be genuine, and be kind beyond measure.

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