Humbled Beyond Words & Very Thankful

One of my biggest fears is not being remembered. One of these days I'll leave this earth and on my death bed I'll be wondering what kind of mark I have left behind in this world.

This quote sums it up for me. "I will show you fear in a handful of dust." TS Elliot I don't actually fear death, I'm more afraid of not being remembered, that I'll disappear without a trace. My guess is that all of us feel this way.

Most of us grow up, live our lives, work our jobs, raise our families and try to do the right things as we stress over all of these things and everything in-between. One aspect of the human condition is that we want to be loved and accepted by our families and friends, which is a whole other topic.

There are times we get lost and we start spiraling out of control in depression. All of the little things seem like huge insurmountable roadblocks that seem to stop you at every turn. All of us feel this way at some point in our lives at one time, or another.

Writing is a way for me to feel as if I'm making my mark in this unforgiving world. It's a way for me to leave my legacy for my family and my friends and for anyone who wants to read what I have had to say for generations to come. It brings joy, because I have a lot of stories inside of me and I have experiences that I want to share. Sometimes it takes a great amount of courage to be open about experiences and things that have happened in my life. Writing about them can be scary, but as I draw from my inner strength and put forth the courage I know I have I put it out there for others to read.

In on of my lower moments in life recently I asked for prayers and many people, some I know and others I don't responded with open arms and have prayed for me.

Unexpectedly, there was someone whom I worked with many years ago who contacted me and told me that if I lived closer to them, they'd take me to dinner just to make me feel better.

This person refereed to me as aunty. They have used this endearment a few times in other conversations and I finally asked this person why they called me this. I am good with the endearment, but I was just curious.

This is what they said ...

"Back when you worked with me, you did more than your job. You mentored me inward out. I can't find the right words to say. However when I found you on fb I remembered how you made me feel when I was in the place I was in. I remember the sunniness and brightness that reflected every time you did your job and more. Most of all I remember the lesson I feel I was taught by you to believe in myself. You laughed at a joke, you helped me find humor through all the pain and that's an unforgettable feeling. Now that I'm crying I wanted to label that feeling as family instead of standing maybe as an outsider. Now I will address you appropriately. Its apparent that you don't need a family status from me when we were brought together by your passion to write. And if I never told you this before, thank you Author Tory Lynn. For leaving a impact on my life that's added to my success and growth. Thank You."

I just want to say, that I'm honored to be called, Aunty and I welcome it!

To receive a compliment like this is more than anything I can ask for. This isn't the first time I have had a message from someone I worked with and have been told similar things. Each time it happens though,it takes my breath away and I cry. I can't help, but stop in my tracks and re-evaluate my life, because I am deeply touched and honored to have been able to cross paths with these people. I wouldn't be where I am without them. I'm blessed and am a better person for what they have unknowingly given me. I am humbled, beyond words and feel more than blessed that they took something from me and are better people because of it.

I wanted to share this, because as we live our lives, we touch people everyday with our words, our actions and how we lead our lives. We leave impressions on others whether we want to, or not. How we deal with stress and how we overcome the difficult times tells us what kind of people we are. So be courageous, stand up for what is right, be kind, be loving and pay it forward.

Vickie Treadway, aka Author Tory Lynn