made a difference for that one!

I had the honor, in my previous work life, to speak at graduations. As part of my speech, I used the Starfish Story to have the students not only remember their journey, but to show gratitude for those individuals who were important along the way to their degree.

If you do not know the story, spoiler alert, I will give you the end of the story. An older man observed a boy throwing starfish back into the ocean. Feeling wise, he told the boy that there were too many starfish to save on this day. The boy, wiser than the man, threw in another starfish and said, “You are correct, but I made a difference for that one.”

Big Guy and I were recently eating lunch when a woman approached our table. “Excuse me, but do you work at Webster? My son started there, and you have been on my mind.” We quickly realized the connection from our past with quick stories of our time together. As we ended the conversation, she expressed her gratitude for my kindness and assistance when she was a student. As she walked away, Big Guy and I looked at one another with the knowledge that I had made a difference for her.