I’m getting the chance today to visit with a professor who helped form me at one of the most vulnerable points in my life. I was a university student trying to find my footing, and she poured so much encouragement into me. She even invited me into her home for a meal — the first time I’d ever had deer meat, ground up almost like hamburger.
She played such a pivotal part in my development that I wrote about her in my book. And earlier this year, during a reading, she walked into the room. I was shocked. I couldn’t help but give her a big hug and quietly wonder how life had been treating her all these years.
It’s been a long time since we’ve really engaged, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to sit with her, look her in the eye, and tell her directly just how impactful she has been in my life.
Every now and then, we need to slow down, reflect on our journey, and give people their flowers while they can still receive them.