I Promise I'll Tell Your Story

I was leaving my office Thursday afte
oon with my rolling bag filled with work to complete over the weekend. As I walked down the long hallway towards the outer door I notice a nicely dressed woman in front of me. She had on a very pretty blue top and when she reached the door and opened it I thought to myself “I should tell her how much I like her blouse”. As quickly as I had that thought I also thought “She’s not going to care about my compliment. Just go to your car.”

She held the door open for me and as I approached and thanked her, she said “I’m so grateful to be able to do that for you; grateful to be doing anything.” For a second I was just going to smile and keep walking to my car but something made me look at this woman; really look at her. She looked to be in her 50’s and appeared to be so sincere as she held the door for me and made her comment that I stopped and said “Well that sounds wonderful”. She said “Do you know what I have in my bag? X-rays showing that there is no trace of a tumor. I had brain surgery six years ago and have been coming to my doctor in this building for the past six years for therapy and follow ups. I just found out today that everything is going to be ok. It’s a miracle that I am able to hold the door for you and I am so grateful to God.” I got choked up and told her that she was truly blessed. I asked her what her name was. “Katherine” she said as she gave me a big hug. I said “Katherine I am so grateful to have met you and

I promise I’ll tell your story”

She said “Please do. Happy Mother’s Day. God Bless you” and we walked to our cars, both smiling for different reasons.

I was truly blessed that day to meet Katherine and to share in her moment of gratitude. What struck me once I got into my car was how powerful that “chance” meeting was; what a true moment of grace it was to connect with another soul and how moments like that put things into perspective.

For me it was just another ordinary day filled with work, errands and obligations; for Katherine it was a day of miracles.

For me it was almost a moment where I kept to myself, acknowledged a stranger for holding the door and just kept walking to my car; for Katherine it was an opportunity to share her gift with the first person she saw after she received her good news.

For me it was an ordinary day where my mind and body did exactly what I wanted and needed them to do; for Katherine it was an extraordinary day where she was given the gift of peace of mind and body.

Katherine went home to tell her husband the good news.

I went home to tell everyone about Katherine’s good news.

I always keep my promises.

• Have you ever had a “chance” encounter with someone that touched your soul?
• What moments of grace have you kept to yourself? Who can you share them with?
• Who can you share Katherine’s story with? When will you?