Tell Someone They’re Valued 628.5
The students at Sandy’s high school were badly shaken by the news that a classmate had killed himself. The suicide note read: “It’s hard to live when nobody cares if you die.”
Glen, a teacher, realized this was a teachable moment about the importance of making people feel valued. He asked his class to imagine they were about to die and to write a note “telling someone how and why you appreciate him or her.”
Sandy, who had a rocky relationship with her mother, decided to write her mom. Her letter read: “We’ve had some rough times and I haven’t always been a very good daughter, but I know I’m lucky to have you in my life. You’re the best person I’ve ever known. Even when I disagree with you, I never doubt you love me and want what’s best for me. Thanks for not giving up on me.”
When her mom read the note, she cried and hugged Sandy tightly but said little.
The next morning, Sandy found a note on her mirror:
“Dearest Sandy, I want you to know being your mother is, by far, the most important thing in my life. Until I got your note, I thought I had lost your love and respect. I felt like such a failure. I intended to end it all last night. Your note saved my life.”
Be careful not to underestimate the power of expressed appreciation. It won’t always save a life, but it will always make someone’s life better.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Subscribe
Comments
As a combat Marine in WWII, I was invited to speak at a local high school football game at half-time. When I left the stadium, the students poured out of the stands to thank me and shake my hand.
My response to each one was to say, "You were worth it! You are worthy! Make it count!" Over and over, as I looked into the eyes of each one, I repeated it, over and over. The students, especially the young girls, burst into tears, and rejoiced at what I said to each one -- as if no one, teacher or parent or coach, had ever told them that. I was shocked, and realized why young ones in this generation are too often driven to thoughtless behavior, seeking self-value. semper fidelis
Posted by: Jim Baxter | July 24, 2009 6:10 AM
At first read-through, I thought, "What a heartwarming little story!" However, something about it bothered me and I finally figured out what. What a terrible burden that mother laid on her daughter - if her daughter didn't love and respect her, she was going to kill herself. How manipulative and heartless of the mother! I could have respected the mother if she had written how proud she was at her daughter's maturity and that she was correct; she did love her through a rocky relationship. And I would have respected the mother if she had taken some responsibility for the rocky relationship, if appropriate. I actually find this story rather horrifying.
Posted by: Andrea | July 24, 2009 8:04 AM
This story smells like fiction. It reads like the kind of story people make up to "illustrate" and "prove" something they believe to be true. It gave me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
On the other hand, Jim Baxter's story gave me a hell of a good feeling. Well done, Jim! I'm glad there are people like you in the world.
Posted by: Martin Young | July 24, 2009 8:17 PM
I agree. This story does "smell like fiction" but so what! Many of the morals and values I learned as a child were illustrated in fables and fairy tales. Whether or not this story is true or it's fiction, it doesn't matter. Don't miss the point of the story: Tell someone they are valued before it's too late. Your words can have a profound impact on someone.
Posted by: Lee | July 28, 2009 9:57 AM