I'm reaching out to you today because you are a person in a position of power to make a world of difference. Because we are now rapidly approaching the holiday season, I felt it was important to share a powerful story that depicts just how much it matters that we make the most of our time together, right here, right now!
Last Words of Love
Feeling unloved is the worst poverty in the world. ~ Mother Teresa
As a professional speaker, I often bring Blue Ribbons to use at my talks, even though I don't always get to use them. At one particular meeting, I demonstrated the Blue Ribbon Ceremony with the group, and then invited each person in the group to acknowledge the person they were with.
Afterwards, a woman tearfully shared that her husband had looked right into her eyes and told her, for the first time in their 25 years of marriage, that she was beautiful, and that he was so glad she had chosen him as her husband. She went on to say that he even told her that she was a wonderful cook and had taken such good care of him and their home. Lastly, he told her how very much he had loved her all these years.
Everyone in the room listened on when she explained that her husband was a man of very few words. Harry is the type who, if asked, "Do you love me?" could only reply, "Would I be here if I didn't love you?"
It was truly a moving evening, once again reminding me of the power and magic of the Blue Ribbon.
Six months later, I stopped by to visit a friend whom I hadn't seen in a long time. We chatted for a bit in her shop and just as I was about to leave, another woman came through the door. My friend looked at me and said, "Oh, Rita, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Betty. She works for me part time. Betty, this is Rita Kahn, a long-time friend of mine."
Betty looked at me and turned white. "Oh, my God!" she exclaimed. "I don't believe it. I've been looking for you for months!
I don't know if you remember my husband and me. We were first time guests at an organization where you spoke six months ago. You taught us the Who I Am Makes A Difference® Blue Ribbon Ceremony.
After my husband and I acknowledged each other, I shared in front of the group that my husband, who hardly ever communicated affectionately, told me how much he loved me and was so glad and grateful that I had chosen him as my husband."
"Well, of course," I smiled and shook my head yes. "Of course. How could I forget that evening or his sharing? He was so genuine and sweet when he stood next to you and thanked me for giving him the opportunity to declare his love for you in front of everyone. I speak to groups and organizations all over the country and don't always get to do the Blue Ribbon Ceremony. For some reason that night, I was inspired to bring the ribbons along and use them. Your husband's sincerity left an impact on me that I haven't forgotten."
"Well," she said, "I've been wanting to find you to thank you for that evening and the Blue Ribbon experience. You see, my husband died of a heart attack the very next day. Now I keep that ribbon on my dresser where I can see it every day. I guess I always knew he loved me, but hearing him say it in front of everyone that night was so very special. My God, if you had never done that Blue Ribbon Ceremony, I might have wondered the rest of my life if I had really made a difference to Harry. Now, every time I look at that ribbon, it reminds me of Harry's face, his smile and his last words of love."
Rita Kahn
