Remembering the People Who Touch My Life…..

There’s something magical about the way I seem to connect with people wherever I go—at the store, at work, on a hike at the ark, or just walking the trail by the beach. I’m the kind of person who talks to everyone, and somehow, I keep meeting people who want to share a moment with me. These random encounters are often the brightest spots in my day, leaving me with memories that linger long after the conversation ends.

At work, I met Marie—a bald woman wearing a scarf, traveling the difficult road of chemotherapy. She asked about flavors, then looked at me and said she could see Jesus in my eyes and smile. We prayed together, for her and me, even though she was facing stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Her name was Marie, the same as my Granny’s, and I still whisper a prayer for her whenever she comes to mind. It was a moment that felt bigger than both of us, a reminder of faith and hope.

Then there’s the lady who comes through the drive-thru with her two girls. They always tell me I have the kindest, nicest voice, and love to share their good news from school. I don’t know their names, but their energy makes my heart happy. Or the old man in the red truck, who picks up a pineapple shake for his wife some Friday nights and says his weekend isn’t as good if I’m not there. It’s the kindness, the smiles, and the laughter that matter—not names or backgrounds, just the simple act of connection.

These encounters, whether brief or lasting, remind me how much we touch each other’s lives without even realizing it. Sharing a prayer, a kind word, or a bit of encouragement can make the soul dance and the heart feel light. It keeps me going, inspires me to keep spreading kindness, and proves that in a world where you can be anything, being kind truly makes everything spin a little smoother. I love my random encounters—they are little gifts from God, making the world feel a bit less lonely and a lot more loving.