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The Most Important Things... And YOU Can Control Them
Think seriously about this... Anxiety and fear strips away courage and makes great performances impossible. Doubt makes even the best decisions feel difficult and causes procrastination. Anger rips your focus away from your goals. Frustration can only serve to make you quit. Guilt makes it impossible to enjoy any successes you achieve. Jealousy and envy create dishonesty, hate and corruption. Your thoughts and emotions are the only things that can truly stop you. |
Get Out of Your Comfy Chair
Ahh, the comfort zone.
As humans, this is a place we love. We look for, strive for
and have created products and even entire industries to help
find and maintain high levels of comfort (hello Lazy-Boy!).
You'll find this desire for the comfort zone in all areas of
life - physically, mentally, emotionally and more; face it,
we are hard wired to seek comfort.
Given that, you might be surprised by the title of this
piece. (Could I really want you to get uncomfortable?)
Why would any self-respecting personal and professional
development author write something that seems so counter to
what we all want?
Because like many things in life there is a difference
between want we want and what we need. We all, at differing
levels of fervor, want the comfort zone (it is, after all,
comfortable). Yet what we need to reach our goals is likely
in direct conflict with the desire for the comfort zone.
So why do I suggest you make discomfort your friend? Let me
count the ways.
Five Reasons Why...
Discomfort allows growth. Whether you are talking physically
(it`s hard to become more fit while comfortably sitting in
your favorite chair, and especially when you first begin
exercising, you will feel real discomfort!), mentally
(thinking about new things, concepts and ideas requires
energy), emotionally (doing something different can be
hard), you cannot grow until you push the envelope of your
comfort zone.
If you want more of anything in your life - from healthy
relationships to a healthy body weight to a healthy bank
account (and everything in between) - you must grow in
knowledge, skills, habits and more. You must grow, and all
true growth occurs outside the comfort zone.
Discomfort builds confidence. Ever noticed that the more you
do something successfully the more confident you become? How
do you get better at something - by doing it exactly like
you did it before? Probably not.
Confidence comes in part from competence, which comes from
practicing and trying new things in order to improve. See
the connection? It is hard to build confidence sitting
comfortably in the easy chair.
Discomfort promotes creativity. Creativity is borne of
necessity. People create new things, ideas, concepts and
products when they have a problem - or in some way are
outside their comfort zone.
Often creativity is tapped to help regain comfort, which is
great. The point is that when you feel or notice some
discomfort or lack of satisfaction with your situation, you
will likely be driven to innovate and be creative to find a
remedy. If you want to be more creative, look for your
discomfort.
Discomfort overcomes resistance to change. When we are
comfortable, we are less likely to want to change - almost
by definition. When we have a lack of satisfaction or have
become uncomfortable with the way things are we are far more
open to change. Change, of course, to create a new situation
that is better and ultimately creates a higher level of
comfort.
Discomfort facilitates goal achievement. This is the
culmination of the other four points. If you want more
learning, growth, promotion, profits, etc., you must
consciously get outside of your comfort zone. Ask yourself
this question: "Do you want your goals enough to put up with
a bit of discomfort, or even fear?" Especially when you
realize that the very discomfort will help drive you to your
goals. If so, great. You know what to do.
If not, go ahead and sit back in your comfy place. Just
don`t be surprised when you don`t create a better future for
yourself.
You`ve traded it for all that comfort.
Potential Pointer: Do you want to improve; do you want to
grow; do you want to advance for yourself, your team and
your organization? If so you must stretch past your comfort
zone and become comfortable with being uncomfortable
10 Steps to Achieving Your Goals By Brian Bartes
The ability to set goals and to develop a plan for the accomplishment of those goals is arguably the most important ingredient of success.
Mastering this skill will enable you to achieve your dreams faster than you ever thought possible.
The goal-achieving system below is a powerful, yet simple strategy that can be used to help you achieve anything in life that you desire.
_____________
Brian Bartes is a top personal and business success coach. His bi-weekly newsletter is filled with strategies that support you in achieving greater success in your personal and professional life.
Mastering this skill will enable you to achieve your dreams faster than you ever thought possible.
The goal-achieving system below is a powerful, yet simple strategy that can be used to help you achieve anything in life that you desire.
1. Set your goal. The first step is to find a goal that is big enough to inspire you. Unless you are truly inspired to accomplish the goal, it is just a wish. By calling it a “goal”, you are affirming that (a) you desire it intensely, (b) you truly believe in your ability to achieve your goal and (c) you are willing to pay the price in advance for achieving your goal.
2. Write down your goal. Writing out your goal stimulates the “filtering” part of your brain, called the Reticular Activating System (RAS). When you write down your goal, the RAS begins collecting relevant information, then sends results to the conscious part of your mind. It acts “behind the scenes”, causing you to become aware of opportunities that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Make sure that the goal is positive, is written in the present tense, is action-oriented, and is specific and as detailed as possible.
3. Establish a deadline for the achievement of your goal. By setting a deadline, your subconscious is activated to ensure the achievement of your goal within the prescribed time frame. If you follow all the steps in this process, and your projections are realistic, then you will achieve your goal by the deadline.
4. Determine how you will benefit from achieving the goal. You will only be compelled to achieve your goal if it is something that inspires you, something that causes such intense desire in you that you are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal. By writing down the reasons you want to achieve your goal, you’ll discover how intense your desire really is.
5. Identify what stands between you and your goal. There will probably be several elements standing between you and your goal. Make a list of these “challenges”, and rank them in order of priority. Then, begin taking action to remove each of the elements that stands in the way of the accomplishment of your goal.
6. Design an action plan for accomplishing your goal. This detailed plan will encompass everything that you have done in the previous steps. Write out all the steps that you will have to take, and rank them in order of priority. Assign target dates for each step.
7. Visualize your goal as already having been accomplished. Review your goal daily. Also, the more detailed you can make your vision, the more powerful it will be.
8. Affirm your goal as already having been accomplished. Every day, read your goal either silently or aloud. Repeat it to yourself, over and over again.
9. Resolve to take massive action toward the achievement of your goal. Persistence and determination will keep you on the success track anytime obstacles try to stand in your way. By taking continuous action, you will eventually reach the point where nothing can stop you.
10. Take one specific action every day to propel you toward your goal. By taking continuous action, you develop the necessary discipline and momentum that you will need to achieve your goals.
Any worthwhile goal requires sustained effort. By consistently applying the methods above, you will develop the success habits that will enable you to achieve any goal that you desire._____________
Brian Bartes is a top personal and business success coach. His bi-weekly newsletter is filled with strategies that support you in achieving greater success in your personal and professional life.
The Art of Proactive Encouragement
There's a saying that I believe holds true. It says, "if you
wish to receive more of life's rewards, look to create more
value for others".
The question then becomes how does one go about creating
value. This is an area where most folks over think it in my
humble opinion.
Giving value can, and does come in many forms. It can range
from the referral which leads to a new source of business,
all the way down to the person who shares a smile with
another -- that in turn helps them start their day on a
positive note.
A simple, but effective way to create value...
One of the simplest ways I know to make a positive impact is
to adopt the role of people builder and encourager to
others. If you will look for opportunities to point out the
good in those around you, you'll begin to notice that others
are not only more attracted to you, but that in many cases
bigger and better opportunities are as well.
The simple fact that so few people practice the art of
proactive encouragement puts those who make it a regular
part of their routine in an enviable place.
In a world where more often than not others are more
interested in bringing others down, to make themselves look
better, those who build others up are a valuable asset to
have around. Be that person, and you'll begin to reap more
of the rich rewards that go along with doing so.
-- It's your life, LIVE BIG!
wish to receive more of life's rewards, look to create more
value for others".
The question then becomes how does one go about creating
value. This is an area where most folks over think it in my
humble opinion.
Giving value can, and does come in many forms. It can range
from the referral which leads to a new source of business,
all the way down to the person who shares a smile with
another -- that in turn helps them start their day on a
positive note.
A simple, but effective way to create value...
One of the simplest ways I know to make a positive impact is
to adopt the role of people builder and encourager to
others. If you will look for opportunities to point out the
good in those around you, you'll begin to notice that others
are not only more attracted to you, but that in many cases
bigger and better opportunities are as well.
The simple fact that so few people practice the art of
proactive encouragement puts those who make it a regular
part of their routine in an enviable place.
In a world where more often than not others are more
interested in bringing others down, to make themselves look
better, those who build others up are a valuable asset to
have around. Be that person, and you'll begin to reap more
of the rich rewards that go along with doing so.
-- It's your life, LIVE BIG!
Quranic Verse
(They say): "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower."
(Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #8)
Hadith-e-Nabvi (saw) of the dayNarrated Nafi': Whenever Ibn 'Umar started the prayer with Takbir, he used to raise his hands: whenever he bowed, he used to raise his hands (before bowing) and also used to raise his hands on saying, "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida", and he used to do the same on rising from the second Rak'a (for the 3rd Rak'a). Ibn 'Umar said: "The Prophet used to do the same."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book #12, Hadith #706)
(Sahih Bukhari, Book #12, Hadith #706)
I LOVE YOU DAD
A man was polishing his new car; his four year old son picked up a stone and scratched on the side of the car. In anger, the furious man took his child's hand and hit it many times, not realizing he was using a wrench.
At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures. When the child saw his father... with painful eyes he asked "Dad when will my fingers grow back?" The man was so hurt and speechless.
He went back to the car and kicked it many times. Devastated by his own actions... sitting in front of the car he looked at the scratches, his son had written
'I LOVE YOU DAD'
Anger and love have no limits... always remember...
"Things are to be used and people are to be loved"
but the problem in today's world is...
but the problem in today's world is...
"People are being USED and things are being LOVED."
Good Day
A man gave all of his seven umbrellas for repair at one time and told the shopkeeper he would pick it up in the evening while back from work.
On the way to work in bus, out of habit he grabbed the umbrella of the woman sitting next to him, got up and started walking.
The woman started yelled, "Umbrella thief, Umbrella thief."
The embarrassed guy returned the umbrella and apologized, before getting abused and beaten up by other woman loving passengers.
I the evening he picked up all his umbrellas repaired, put them under his arms and strted walking towards home. Unfortunately the morning lady returning from work bumped into him.
The lady commented, "Seems, you had a profitable day at work today."
There was once a washer man who had a donkey and a dog.
One night when the whole world was sleeping, a thief broke into the house, the washer man was fast asleep but the donkey and the dog were awake.
The dog decided not to bark since the master did not take good care of him and wanted to teach him a lesson.
The donkey got worried and said to the dog that if he doesn’t bark, the donkey will have to do something himself. The dog did not change his mind and the donkey started braying loudly.
Hearing the donkey bray, the fhief ran away, the master woke up and started beating the donkey for braying in the middle of the night fro no reason.
Moral of the story “One must not engage in duties other than his own.”
..
..
..
..
..
Now take a new look at the same story…
The washer man was a well educated man from a premier management institute.
He had the fundas of looking at the bigger picture and thinking out of the box. He was convinced that there must be some reason for the donkey to bray in the night.
He walked outside a little and did some fact finding, applied a bottom up approach, figured out from the ground realities that there was a thief who broke in and the donkey only wanted to alert him about it.
Looking at the donkey’s extra initiative and going beyound the call of the duty, he rewarded him with lot of hay and other perks and became his favorite pet.
The dog’s life didn’t change much, except that now the donkey was more motivated in doing the dogs duties as well. In the annual appraisal the dog managed a “meet requirement” Soon the dog realized that the donkey is taking care of his duties and he can enjoy his life sleeping and lazing around.
The donkey was rated as “star performer”. The donkey had to live up to his already high performance standards. Soon he was over burdened with work and always under perssure and now is looking for a job rotation….
If you have worked in a corporate environment, I am sure you have guessed the characters of the new story.
One night when the whole world was sleeping, a thief broke into the house, the washer man was fast asleep but the donkey and the dog were awake.
The dog decided not to bark since the master did not take good care of him and wanted to teach him a lesson.
The donkey got worried and said to the dog that if he doesn’t bark, the donkey will have to do something himself. The dog did not change his mind and the donkey started braying loudly.
Hearing the donkey bray, the fhief ran away, the master woke up and started beating the donkey for braying in the middle of the night fro no reason.
Moral of the story “One must not engage in duties other than his own.”
..
..
..
..
..
Now take a new look at the same story…
The washer man was a well educated man from a premier management institute.
He had the fundas of looking at the bigger picture and thinking out of the box. He was convinced that there must be some reason for the donkey to bray in the night.
He walked outside a little and did some fact finding, applied a bottom up approach, figured out from the ground realities that there was a thief who broke in and the donkey only wanted to alert him about it.
Looking at the donkey’s extra initiative and going beyound the call of the duty, he rewarded him with lot of hay and other perks and became his favorite pet.
The dog’s life didn’t change much, except that now the donkey was more motivated in doing the dogs duties as well. In the annual appraisal the dog managed a “meet requirement” Soon the dog realized that the donkey is taking care of his duties and he can enjoy his life sleeping and lazing around.
The donkey was rated as “star performer”. The donkey had to live up to his already high performance standards. Soon he was over burdened with work and always under perssure and now is looking for a job rotation….
If you have worked in a corporate environment, I am sure you have guessed the characters of the new story.
A love story
As I walked home one freezing day, I stumbled on a wallet someone had lost in the street. I picked it up and looked inside to find some identification so I could call the owner. But the wallet contained only three dollars and a crumpled letter that looked as if it had been in there for year.
The envelope was worn and the only thing that was legible on it was the return address. I started to open the letter, hoping to find some clue. Then I saw the dateline-1924. The letter had been written almost sixty yearsa ago.
It was written in a beautiful feminine handwriting on powder blue stationery with a little flower in the left-hand corner. It was a
“Dear John” letter that told the recipient, whose name appeared to be Michael, that the writer could not see him any more because her mother forbade it. Even so, she wrote that she would always love him.
It was signed, Hannah.
It was a beautiful letter, but there was no way except for the name Michael, that the owner could be identified. Maybe if I called information, the operator could find a phone listing for the address on the envelope.
“Operator,” I began, “this is an unusual request. I’m trying to find the owner of a wallet that I found. Is there anyway you can tell me if there is a phone number for an address that was on an envelope in the wallet?”
She sugested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment then said, “Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can’t give you the number.” She said, as a courtesy, she would call that number, explain my story and would ask them if thay wanted her to connect me. I waited a few minutes and then she was back on the line. “I have a party who will speak with you.”
I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she knew anyone by the name of Hannah. She gasped, “Oh! We bought this house from a family who had a daughter named Hannah. But that was 30 years ago!”
“Would you know where that family could be located now?” I asked.
“I remember that Hannah had to place her mother in a nursing home some years ago,” the woman said. “Maybe if you got in touch with them they might be able to track down the daughter.”
She gave me the name of the nursing home and I called the number. They told me the old lady had passed away some years ago but they did have a phone number for where they thought the daughter might be living.
I thanked them and phoned. The woman who answered explained that Hannah herself was now living in a nursing home.
This whole thing was stupid, I thought to myself. Why was I making such a big deal over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three dollars and a letter that was almost 60 years old?
Nevertheless, I called the nursing home in which Hannah was supposed to be living and the man who answered the phone told me, “Yes, Hannah is staying with us.”
Even though it was already 10 p.m., I asked if I could come by to see her.
“Well,” he said hesitatingly, “If you want to take a chance, she might be in the day room watching television.”
I thanked him and drove over to the nursing home. The night nurse and a guard greeted me at the door. We went up to the third floor of the large builing. In the day room, the nurse introduced me to Hannah.
She was a sweet, silver-haired old timer with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye.
I told her about finding the wallet and showed her the letter. The second she saw the powder blue envelope with that little flower on the left, she took a deep breath and said, “Young man, this letter was the last contact I ever had with Michael.”
She looked away for a moment deep in thought and then said softly, “I loved him very much. But I was only 16 at the time and my mother felt I was too young. Oh, he was so handsoe. He looked like Sea Connery, the actor.”
“Yes,” she continued. “Michael Goldstein was a wonderful persone. If you should find him, tell him I think of him ofter. And,” she hesitated for a moment, almost biting her lip, “tell him I still love him. You know,” she said smiling as tears began to well up in her eyes, “I never did marry. I guess no one ever matched up to Michael….”
I thanked Hannah and said goodbye. I took the elevator to the first floor and as I stood by the door, the guard there asked, “Was the old lady able to help you?”
I told him she had given me a lead. “At least I have a last name. But I think I’ll let it go for a while. I spent almost the whole day trying to find the owner of this wallet.”
I had taker out the wallet, which was a simple brown leather case with red lacing on the side. When the guard saw it, he said, “Hey, wait a minute!
That’s Mr. Goldstein’s wallet. I’d know it anywher with that bright red lacing. He’s always losing that wallet. I must have found it in the halls at least three times.”
“Who’s Mr. Goldstein?” I asked as my hand began to shake.
“He’s one of the old timers on the 8th floor. That’s Mike Goldstein’s wallet for sure. He must have lost it on one of his walks.”
I thanked the guard and quickly ran back to the nurse’s office. I told her what the guard had said. We went back to the elevator and got on. I prayed that Mr. Goldstein would be up.
On the eighth floor, the floor nurse said, “I think he’s still in the day room. He likes to read at night. He’s a darling old man.”
We went to the only room that had any lights on and there was a man reading a book. The nurse went over to him and asked if he had lost his wallet. Mr. Goldstein looked up with surprise, put his hand in his back pocket and said, “Oh, it is missing!”
“This kind gentlman found a wallet and we wondered if it could be yours?”
I hande Mr. Goldstein the wallet and the secound he saw it, he smiled with relief and said, “Yes, that’s it! It must have dropped out of my pocket this afternoon. I want to give you a reward.”
“No, thank you,” I said. “But I have to tell you something. I read the letter in the hope of finding out who owned the wallet.”
The sile on his face suddenly disapeared. “You read that letter?”
“Not only did I read it, I think I know where Hannahis.”
He suddenly grew pale. “Hannah? You know where she is? How is she? Is she still as pretty as she was? Please, please tell me,” he begged.
“She’s fine… just as pretty as when you knew her.” I said softly.
The old man smiled with anticipation and asked, “Could you tell me where she is? I want to call her tomorrow.” He grabbed my hand and said, ” You know something, mister, I was so in love with that girl that letter came, my life literally ended. I never married. I guess I’ve always loved her.”
“Mr. Goldstein,” I said, “Come with me.”
We took the elevator down to the third floor. The hallways were darkened and only one or two litter night-lights lit our way to the day room where Hannah was sitting alone watching the television. The nurse walked over to her.
“Hannah,” she said softly, pointing to Michael, who was waiting with me in the doorway. “Do you know this man?”
She adjusted her glasses, looked for a moment, but didn’t say a word.
Michael said softly, almost in a whisper, “hannah, it’s Michael. Do you remember me?”
She gasped, “Michael! I don’t believe it! Michael! It’s you! My Michael!”
He walked slowly towards her and they embraced. The nurse and I left with tears streaming down our faces.
“See,” I said. “See how the Good Lord works! If it’s meant to be, it will be.”
About theree weeks later I got a call at my office from the nursing home. “Can you break away on Sunday to attend a wedding? Michael and Hannah are going to tie the knot!”
It was a beautiful wedding with all the people at the nursing home dressed up to join in the celebration. Hannah wore a light beige dress and looked beautiful. Michael wore a dark blue suit and stood tall. They made me their best man.
The hospital gave them their own room and if you ever wanted to see a 76-year-old bride and a 79-year-old groom acting like two teenagers, you had to see this couple.
A perfect ending for a love affair that had lasted nearly 60 years.
The envelope was worn and the only thing that was legible on it was the return address. I started to open the letter, hoping to find some clue. Then I saw the dateline-1924. The letter had been written almost sixty yearsa ago.
It was written in a beautiful feminine handwriting on powder blue stationery with a little flower in the left-hand corner. It was a
“Dear John” letter that told the recipient, whose name appeared to be Michael, that the writer could not see him any more because her mother forbade it. Even so, she wrote that she would always love him.
It was signed, Hannah.
It was a beautiful letter, but there was no way except for the name Michael, that the owner could be identified. Maybe if I called information, the operator could find a phone listing for the address on the envelope.
“Operator,” I began, “this is an unusual request. I’m trying to find the owner of a wallet that I found. Is there anyway you can tell me if there is a phone number for an address that was on an envelope in the wallet?”
She sugested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment then said, “Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can’t give you the number.” She said, as a courtesy, she would call that number, explain my story and would ask them if thay wanted her to connect me. I waited a few minutes and then she was back on the line. “I have a party who will speak with you.”
I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she knew anyone by the name of Hannah. She gasped, “Oh! We bought this house from a family who had a daughter named Hannah. But that was 30 years ago!”
“Would you know where that family could be located now?” I asked.
“I remember that Hannah had to place her mother in a nursing home some years ago,” the woman said. “Maybe if you got in touch with them they might be able to track down the daughter.”
She gave me the name of the nursing home and I called the number. They told me the old lady had passed away some years ago but they did have a phone number for where they thought the daughter might be living.
I thanked them and phoned. The woman who answered explained that Hannah herself was now living in a nursing home.
This whole thing was stupid, I thought to myself. Why was I making such a big deal over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three dollars and a letter that was almost 60 years old?
Nevertheless, I called the nursing home in which Hannah was supposed to be living and the man who answered the phone told me, “Yes, Hannah is staying with us.”
Even though it was already 10 p.m., I asked if I could come by to see her.
“Well,” he said hesitatingly, “If you want to take a chance, she might be in the day room watching television.”
I thanked him and drove over to the nursing home. The night nurse and a guard greeted me at the door. We went up to the third floor of the large builing. In the day room, the nurse introduced me to Hannah.
She was a sweet, silver-haired old timer with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye.
I told her about finding the wallet and showed her the letter. The second she saw the powder blue envelope with that little flower on the left, she took a deep breath and said, “Young man, this letter was the last contact I ever had with Michael.”
She looked away for a moment deep in thought and then said softly, “I loved him very much. But I was only 16 at the time and my mother felt I was too young. Oh, he was so handsoe. He looked like Sea Connery, the actor.”
“Yes,” she continued. “Michael Goldstein was a wonderful persone. If you should find him, tell him I think of him ofter. And,” she hesitated for a moment, almost biting her lip, “tell him I still love him. You know,” she said smiling as tears began to well up in her eyes, “I never did marry. I guess no one ever matched up to Michael….”
I thanked Hannah and said goodbye. I took the elevator to the first floor and as I stood by the door, the guard there asked, “Was the old lady able to help you?”
I told him she had given me a lead. “At least I have a last name. But I think I’ll let it go for a while. I spent almost the whole day trying to find the owner of this wallet.”
I had taker out the wallet, which was a simple brown leather case with red lacing on the side. When the guard saw it, he said, “Hey, wait a minute!
That’s Mr. Goldstein’s wallet. I’d know it anywher with that bright red lacing. He’s always losing that wallet. I must have found it in the halls at least three times.”
“Who’s Mr. Goldstein?” I asked as my hand began to shake.
“He’s one of the old timers on the 8th floor. That’s Mike Goldstein’s wallet for sure. He must have lost it on one of his walks.”
I thanked the guard and quickly ran back to the nurse’s office. I told her what the guard had said. We went back to the elevator and got on. I prayed that Mr. Goldstein would be up.
On the eighth floor, the floor nurse said, “I think he’s still in the day room. He likes to read at night. He’s a darling old man.”
We went to the only room that had any lights on and there was a man reading a book. The nurse went over to him and asked if he had lost his wallet. Mr. Goldstein looked up with surprise, put his hand in his back pocket and said, “Oh, it is missing!”
“This kind gentlman found a wallet and we wondered if it could be yours?”
I hande Mr. Goldstein the wallet and the secound he saw it, he smiled with relief and said, “Yes, that’s it! It must have dropped out of my pocket this afternoon. I want to give you a reward.”
“No, thank you,” I said. “But I have to tell you something. I read the letter in the hope of finding out who owned the wallet.”
The sile on his face suddenly disapeared. “You read that letter?”
“Not only did I read it, I think I know where Hannahis.”
He suddenly grew pale. “Hannah? You know where she is? How is she? Is she still as pretty as she was? Please, please tell me,” he begged.
“She’s fine… just as pretty as when you knew her.” I said softly.
The old man smiled with anticipation and asked, “Could you tell me where she is? I want to call her tomorrow.” He grabbed my hand and said, ” You know something, mister, I was so in love with that girl that letter came, my life literally ended. I never married. I guess I’ve always loved her.”
“Mr. Goldstein,” I said, “Come with me.”
We took the elevator down to the third floor. The hallways were darkened and only one or two litter night-lights lit our way to the day room where Hannah was sitting alone watching the television. The nurse walked over to her.
“Hannah,” she said softly, pointing to Michael, who was waiting with me in the doorway. “Do you know this man?”
She adjusted her glasses, looked for a moment, but didn’t say a word.
Michael said softly, almost in a whisper, “hannah, it’s Michael. Do you remember me?”
She gasped, “Michael! I don’t believe it! Michael! It’s you! My Michael!”
He walked slowly towards her and they embraced. The nurse and I left with tears streaming down our faces.
“See,” I said. “See how the Good Lord works! If it’s meant to be, it will be.”
About theree weeks later I got a call at my office from the nursing home. “Can you break away on Sunday to attend a wedding? Michael and Hannah are going to tie the knot!”
It was a beautiful wedding with all the people at the nursing home dressed up to join in the celebration. Hannah wore a light beige dress and looked beautiful. Michael wore a dark blue suit and stood tall. They made me their best man.
The hospital gave them their own room and if you ever wanted to see a 76-year-old bride and a 79-year-old groom acting like two teenagers, you had to see this couple.
A perfect ending for a love affair that had lasted nearly 60 years.
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