When we first moved to Bunbury, Western Australia, after five years in Canada and three years in Papua New Guinea, we were befriended by two extraordinary families. At the time, I was 15 and my brothers were a bit younger. The way in which our friendship grew with these two families is a very long story and definitely worth telling, but that is not for this post.
This post is about Heather.
Tonight I opened a silver envelope within which was a card from one of my mother’s best friends, Heather, a member of one the above families. Inside the card she had written the most beautiful message to me – a message of comfort and love and with a buoyant positivity (which she apologized for because she is rather famous for her positive attitude that she thinks people don’t always like). Well I like it very much!
Heather was my mentor when I was a teenager struggling with the culture shock of transitioning from PNG to a private school in Bunbury and she, her husband, and her children, helped me to adjust. They were all so kind.
So this is just to say, Heather, that I DO like your positivity and I have drawn such strength from your kindness to me in this card. The fact that you can be bothered to make this gesture, even though you and your family have your own challenges, joys and busyness, amazes me. I didn’t realize it until now but I have always drawn strength from your incredible ability to see the best in people and situations AND your inviolable faith.
Heather’s card was sitting beneath a mountain of bills and letters and all that stuff I loathe doing. Its envelope caught the light, so I picked it up out of the stack of old mail and opened it today. And my heart did one of those somersaulty things with gratitude to have someone like this in my life.
I can’t just thank you, Heather; I salute you. Much love
– Julie
jmgoyder 
Isn’t it wonderful to discover that we mean as much to our mentors as they do to us.:)
Yes and I don’t know why I didn’t express this to Heather years ago – she didn’t know I felt like this about her.
At least you put it out into the universe, according to some scientists, since energy can’t be destroyed, our energy goes back into the universe, so your feelings and thoughts being out have probably been touched by her energy and I m sure that she is smiling.
I never thought about it like that before – thanks Laurie!
Into each life, a little Heather should fall…. ❤
Diana xo
Definitely!
What a gift this letter was. It came to you just when you needed it.
Yes!
To receive some positive encouragement at a time when you really need it… is just so wonderful… That is one example of how sometimes while the internet is great for connecting with people ..sometimes that card …picked and chosen with care…and mailed …and received … has a very special importance for an individual… Diane
You are so right!
Wonderful to have such a friend.
Yes – she is always so bright and positive and beautiful and she just turned 80.
what a pleasant surprise the light on that envelope…God’s way of saying “you need this now at this time”/ 🙂
Perfect timing.
how wonderful )
It is!
I am sure Heather is as blessed by knowing you. xo
Maybe, but I am more blessed by knowing her.
Lovely!
She is!
Thoughtful, positive people like Heather are such a blessing. I’m glad she’s there to send you some comfort.
It has made me realize how lucky I am.
Julie, It is wonderful to have a person like that in your corner and in your life. You are indeed very fortunate. Take care, Bill
I am!
Wow! When you said Western Australia, you were serious! Bunbury looks quite nice, though. We here in San Diego (meaning Jim and me) picture Western Australia as looking like something out of Crocodile Dundee. Probably also has something to do with us being tennis fans and the Australian Open being in Melbourne.
Sometimes comfort and understanding comes from unexpected corners. *smile
She is like you!
That is so sweat of you! *smile