In a conversation

with Gary and Lynn the other day, I asked them what they had going on this week.  They have so many friends that keep in contact with them. One of the people visiting this week is a woman who used to be Gary's secretary in his San Francisco Law firm.  Her story is very interesting.

First of all, she was alcoholic and would miss work often because of it.  People wondered why in the world Gary kept her on as his secretary.   Gary said she was a very good secretary and that he also felt badly for her and wanted to help her.

A few years down the road she became sober.  She told Gary that the thing that helped her through were the personal letters he dictated and she typed. The encouraging words he would send to his son, and others, telling them things like, "If you want to be happy you need to . . ."  or  "It may be hard but you can do it." She had saved a copy of those letters and read them.

This woman sends Gary letters or little gifts every month.   She comes into town from California to visit him.  She is in a relationship with a married man who splits his time between her and his wife, with all parties in full knowledge.  That would be a little strange, I think.

But this is a great example of what how we never know what influence we may have on those around us and through which means they msy come.