Friend and the book idea; inspiration from generation to generation

She passed away quietly in her sleep. As I read her short obituary, memories filled my heart and mind. We met about thirty years ago, when she was approximately the age I am now. I was new to town and full of business ideas. She taught students how to fashion their ideas into viable businesses. I was a willing and eager student, and she was a gracious, caring instructor. At the final session of our class, she handed out her business card and invited us to contact her if we ever needed help marketing our businesses. I did, and she responded. She taught by example, in that she employed the same simple, and effective, marketing strategies to build her business that she recommended for us to use. The wonderful power of regular communication could not be overstated. She sent out monthly postcards with a short, thoughtful paragraph which highlighted some important marketing idea. There was always an invitation to reply—lesson number one, be sure to prompt the recipient to take action.

As my business ideas germinated, we met frequently. She was an expert marketer, but also became a supportive friend. She encouraged and supported me in my endeavors, and was there to help. She and I produced many newsletters and marketing campaigns during the years we worked together, and shared joy in the positive results.

Her desire to help others was bigger than our city. I was impressed when she shared that she had been accepted to serve in the Peace Corps for two years. She would be working in South America, helping women set up and market businesses. I welcomed her periodic communications and was excited when she returned to our city. I remember hearing so many exciting stories about her two years of service, and was inspired to one day help others in a similar fashion. With my current health challenges, I don’t believe I would pass the physical exam for the Peace Corps, so I live this dream through her stories and my brother’s updates. Even so, I am inspired to this day by something meaningful she said in her sweet, affirming way. I had put together a list of topics combining classical music and success principles, and shared my ideas with her. My idea was to create a series of lecture-recitals or something of the sort, but I needed to refine the ideas. I recall very clearly when she looked at me and said “You really need to write this book.” At the time, I had never seriously considered writing a book; after all, I was much too busy working and being a full-time doctoral student. I put the project aside and lost track of the idea sheet.

Today, over thirty years later, I looked for the piece of paper with my ideas typed in a numerical list. Unfortunately, I was unable to find it, but with some serious thought I believe I might be able to reconstruct it. As I reach the end of my first 100-day writing challenge, I’m giving a great deal of thought to my next steps. Maybe another writing project? Maybe this book that she planted in my psyche long ago? Maybe classical music and success principles need to be combined for today’s readers. Whatever project I choose to pursue next, I sincerely hope that my writing honors her belief in me, and that my words will inspire someone in the next generation in the same manner she inspired and supported me.

589 words
Day 98: November 5, 2023
Success!