Who Are the Stars in Your Life Story and Have You Thanked Them?

Throughout your life, there have been special people who have made a difference. Can you remember who they are? Can you look back on your life story, and remember people who were special to you, and know in your heart they are stars in your life story?

Maybe it was a special teacher? Maybe it was a doctor that diagnosed you when no one else could? Or a doctor that stood by you in the midst of tragic news? Maybe it was a friend who stood with you through a tough time?

We all have special people in our lives who have helped us through tough experiences, and they will forever have a special place in our hearts, even if we are not close to them now, or in touch with them anymore. Before it's too late, it's a good idea to look back at your life, remember them, and those moments that stand out to you. And then go back and thank them.

Thanking them brings joy to both of you. It's all about having an "attitude of gratitude, really " but it helps others when they know they have helped you. Maybe they don't know how much they helped you. In this world, sometimes things just get so busy, we appreciate people but forget to tell them. Life's too short to let this chance slip by.

I challenge you now to sort through your life experiences and find those people who have impacted your life and tell them so. Here are some people who have profoundly affected my life, in very positive ways. If I haven't told them so, they will know about it now!

1) The conductor of a Christian singing group I was in during my junior and senior year of high school, who auditioned me and let me join the New Life Singers. Being in this group changed my life in so many positive ways. It helped deepen my Christian faith. It helped me find a group of peers who loved and accepted me for who I was, therefore raising my self-esteem. It helped me to gain self-confidence. It gave me the opportunity to travel the New England states and Europe giving concerts and encouraging others in their Christian walk. Thank you, Chuck Hellier.

2) My senior year of high school Poetry and Song teacher who gave me the courage and self-confidence to raise my hand in class even though I was extremely shy and never had the confidence before because I was afraid of getting the wrong answer. Thank you, Wally Lamb!

3) A foster mother for an agency I worked for who showed me what being a true mom was like, even to children who weren't her biological children. This woman was my role model for being a mother. She loved each and every child that lived in her home unconditionally. Thank you, Pat Willard!

4) My Pastor in 1990, who convinced me that I needed to be baptized by immersion, and showed me how a true man of God should live his life. His love for Christ and the example he sets for his congregation is amazing and sets the bar for other Christians who know him. And he and his wife have shown me what Christian marriage e like. Thank you, Charley and Melody Gateley!

5) The obstetrician who was with me every step of the way through a miscarriage and the emotional aftermath. He made me feel as though I had hope for my future in spite of the great loss I had just suffered. Thank you, Dr. Crootof!

6) The cardiologist who helped me deal with the shocking realization that I had had a heart attack at age 45, but that I was blessed with no real damage so not to let it turn my life upside down. Thank you, Dr. Foley!

7) The teacher who did not give up on my son even though he was having trouble making it through high school, and even showing up at school at times. He was always encouraging, to both my son and to me as a mom. He may actually be the only teacher who never gave up on my son. Thank you, Neal Curland!

8) The social worker who was assigned to my son, and never gave up on him, going above and beyond the call of duty to help him and let him know she was committed to him no matter what. Thank you, Natasha Reed!

9) My best friend from elementary school who has encouraged me accepted me and loved me unconditionally for the past 43 years. We have been through elementary school, middle school, high school, college, first marriages, raising children, divorce, and second marriages together. Thank you, Christine Singer!

10) My current husband who has loved me unconditionally, and is the only man I have ever known, except for Christ, who can love unconditionally. (This is the same person as the man in the first example!!! We reconnected after many years apart) And yes, I have told him so! But just in case, thanks, Chuck Hellier!

Now I challenge you to make your own list, and go on out and thank those people if you haven't already. It doesn't matter if you call them, write them a letter, or email them. The important thing is that you connect with them and let them know they made a difference in your life. Two lives will be enriched by this act.