I'm on an email list about the power of giving gifts from the heart (Giftology). It's mostly aimed at corporate people. I've never bought anything from them or interacted in any way with the company, but I find the newsletters thought provoking. The guy who runs it and who talks so eloquently about giving thoughtful gifts is named John.
Two weeks ago, the message he sent was all about using placeholders in newsletters. (If you don't know what that means, it's just where a newsletter will use your name to make it seem more personal.) John had some pretty strong opinions on the topic, and I do, too. I got the email and felt inspired to reply, just to let him know I appreciated the message and agreed wholeheartedly.
I didn't actually reply, though, because life got busy. I put it on the "do it next week" list.
Then, last week, a message came out to the list that John had died suddenly while on vacation with his 4 young kids. Although I didn't know him personally, my heart goes out to his family and friends.
While obviously my hypothetical message replying to his newsletter is not a big deal in the larger scheme of things, hearing news of his death was a reminder to me to say what needs to be said. If someone's message matters to you, tell them. You can't be sure you'll have another chance.
At the end of the day, we're all humans trying to make a difference in the world. Letting people know they've made a difference to you matters, I think, even if it's a teeny tiny thing.
Take care,
Camille
