Karen

Recently a met a woman who quickly became very special to me. I'll call her Karen for the sake of my story.

Karen is probably one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She has such a tender, gentle spirit. She also doesn't think very much of herself. In the course of our time together, I tried to encourage her as much as I could. It's funny what a little encouragement can do. She came out of her shell and became like a new person in just about 24 hours. And you know what, everyone LOVED her. She's funny and kind and just an awesome person. She is one of those people I will never forget. Even though I will probably never see her again, she will always, always be in my heart. All I did for her was write an encouraging note or two, and asked her every day how she was doing.

On the last day that I saw her, when it was time to say goodbye, she put her hand on my shoulder, and with tears in her eyes, she told me how much my encouragement had meant to her. Then, with great emotion, she whispered, "I love you." I think that moment will bring tears to my eyes for a long time. I know that "I love you" was so hard for her to say, and it was the most genuine thing I have ever experienced.

So, in honor of Karen, I challenge you to encourage someone today. It might just change their life.