The call came yesterday: Glenna Salsbury, an enduring influence in the speaking profession, died after many years battling cancer.
Even though many of us knew that Glenna’s amazing fight against cancer had surpassed all odds, the shock still put many of us in a tailspin.
What struck me was but another lesson from Glenna’s life is this question: who will mourn you?
Glenna didn’t create technology to revolutionize our work, bring peace to our fractured world, or rescue orphans. However, when she was able to attend our conferences, the lines of people to have a few words with her was immense. WHY?
The reason: Glenna made every single person feel as if they were the most important person in the world. Her attention was single focused on the person in front of her. Glenna’s brown eyes would stare intently, ignoring anything else around her except that one person. She’d ask critical questions, nod in agreement, laugh when appropriate and end with a hug. There are literally hundreds of my colleagues who mourn her death.
As I ponder the fact that more years are behind me instead of in front of me, Glenna’s life offers me hope. I don’t have to do great things. My first task going forward is to make sure that I treat everyone I meet as a special, important person.
What about you??
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” – Richard Puz