Friday, February 24, 2012

 

Two weeks ago, I had the wonderful blessing of sharing lunch with three great women in my life. The first was Lora Jeanne Wheeler, who gave me the love of reading many years ago. The second was Esther Robbins, who taught me how to balance a checkbook, and was able to get me to quit smoking. Both of these two ladies were my Arthur Murray students 25 years ago in Phoenix, AZ. Lora Jeanne and Esther are in their 46th year of actively taking Arthur Murray dancing lessons. They are truly amazing and inspiring ladies.

The other special lady at our table was Roz DeBeve. Around my neck is a gold pendant of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and on the back it reads, “To David our Ironman, Love, Jacques and Roz”. I wear that medal every day and keep Roz and Jacques close to my heart.

Roz was the most amazing boss, trainer, confidant, and now, friend, I have ever known. She is famous for all the great champions she developed over the years in the Arthur Murray Dance world. As a very young teacher, I’ll never forget being sick with the flu, and Roz coming over to my house, making me chicken soup, and helping me recover. I’ll always love Roz for the love and kindness she gave me.

At our luncheon, if we weren’t crying, we were laughing. I am so blessed that after 33 years of knowing these ladies, our friendships have remained rock solid. I am thankful for knowing them and grateful for what they all taught me. In life, our enduring treasures are the friendships we have made. Being truly rich is carrying in our hearts the love and relationships with others.

The memory of that afternoon luncheon will always remain with me. I will remember our laughter, shared stories, and the conscious knowing that I was experiencing one of the “Golden Moments” of my life.

These special times may not be often or frequent, but when they come our way, take a moment to say Thank You! I took a moment for each lady and individually thanked them for how they had shaped my life. We had a few tears and a lot of laughs, but we remembered to say all the words that we will always remember.

Thought for the day, be prepared for a “Golden Moment”, but beyond that, give someone else a chance to experience a lifetime memory through you. It will be one of the eternal possessions we all will take into our next life.

[ From Left - Roz DeBeve, Lora Jeanne Wheeler, Myself, and Esther Robbins ]

 

[ Myself with the Pheonix, AZ Staff ]

 

 

Next week: “40 Pieces of Advice”.

 

Very Sincerely,
David Earl Woodbury