I have spent a lot of time in recent weeks thinking about how one moment can affect the course of a story. The person the protagonist smiled at on page two can end up being the love of their life. This happens, in reality, all of the time. My own best friend and I met because I decided to read her story and write her a letter about how much I hated her antagonist.  My point is you never know how even the tiniest moment can change the way you look at the world forever. This week is always extremely hard for me because six years ago my best friend’s father passed away. He was another great example of what it means to be a father. I’m lucky for the opportunity to get to know him. He accepted me as a fourth daughter without question and taught me that no matter how bad things get you can always find humor in a situation. He taught me that even though you may be in a wheelchair you can still protect those you love. I think about him every day. I laugh at stories with my best friend, and my second family. 

Six years ago, my best friend called, and I jumped on a plane the next day to honor the man who didn’t owe me anything. The only thing I could think was that he would never know how much he meant to me. He never would know how much it means to me that I have a second family make memories with, and I wish I had more time to make memories with him.  

I know things are a little weird with a global pandemic and protests happening throughout the world, but next time you think about checking someone’s social media to see how they are doing, write on their wall, or send a message. It might make their day. We all could use a little happiness, and you never know what small gesture will mean the world to another person.