Happy Thanksgiving!
Of course I’m thankful for my family, both personal and extended. I’m thankful for food and shelter and coffee. I’m also thankful for friends. Long lasting relationships mean a lot to me. I don’t just mean Facebook friends. I’m talking about the ones that would (and some that have) fly across the country to support me. There’s also friends that have been an impact, or impacted, on my life.
This week, I found an old friend on LinkedIn and shared a little of my story and then sent him a link to the original post on my blog. His reaction was to post the following on Facebook:
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“You cannot not model…
Okay, not my typical Facebook post…but felt the need to share as a Father, as a Husband, and simply because it will add strength to your day.
Yesterday I received a message on LinkedIn from an individual I encountered back in 2004. His name is Brian Wagner. I first met Brian while working at Ohio Mutual when we were upgrading our systems. Brian worked for IBM as a Software Sales Specialist. Until today, I had not spoken with or heard from Brian for many years.
The message he sent to me via LinkedIn yesterday was simple. The subject line was worded as “Hey” and the body of the message read – “It’s been too long. I’ve heard that you’ve moved on (from Ohio Mutual). Hope you’re doing well.” To which I replied “Hey Brian. Good to hear from you. Doing great. Give me a call”.
Today Brian called me and after some dialog I learned that he has been experiencing grace in his life. You can read about it on his blog – http://wp.me/p1TaAz-d I’d recommend taking a moment to do so…I hope you find strength in his story.
I can tell you that Brian sounded great on the phone – he sounded as if he has found his purpose for living, his mission, his calling.
I am having lunch with Brian on Wednesday. I’d ask that you pray for him and his family. I’m not sure exactly why God has connected Brian and I once again, but I look forward to experiencing Christ through him.”
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Another of these friends wrote a special note, talking about the impact that my heart surgery-survivin’, volleyball playin’ daughter – not me – had on his life. Here’s a bit of what he wrote.
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“Brian, as you know, I hold your daughter in the highest regard – in fact, as my personal hero. I am further blessed to see her so big and strong and growing up. I’m so glad. I am also glad that God placed your family so near to us at that time and that although it was suffering to have her go through what she did as a young infant, but that it had such a great impact on me. That fact literally took the edge off of my fear of the approaching surgeries. If they could “fix” a tiny girl, could they not easily fix a full sized man. Sure. It was just plumbing. But I saw in Jessie that it was possible to survive and thrive as she has. God bless you as you further recover. Get to as many games as you can and enjoy the excitement. I hope they do really well.”
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These are just two of my friends that have written me in the past 18 months. Maybe you should reach out to an old friend or make a new one.
What are you thankful for?
- UPDATE – The old and the new - July 18, 2023
- Rehab is work - April 14, 2023
- I lost my wallet - April 6, 2023
Hello Brian ~ I know I am not one of your friends that have flown across the country or been an impact on your life but I want to tell you how much you and your wife have impacted my life. I have been there for you in prayer quite often whether you know that or not and I think of you often. I will never forget the support you were for me when I lost Ron. He really thought the WORLD of you. Also, when my sister and I sat with you at Karen Wolf’s funeral. I loved our Sunday night Bible studies with the Reichert’s. The Bible study group picnic at your house. You are such an awsome guy with a wife just as awsome. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Kathryn Edwards
Kathryn, you make me smile. Ron was a great guy and Connie is a great girl. There’s no-one that can deny those two facts. I miss your hugs and contagious smile on Sunday. Happy Thanksgiving!