Making a Difference

Yeseterday I got an email from a friend.

Hey Becky! I went to Judy Dimond's funeral yesterday (I would guess you weren't there). Anyway I just wanted to tell you how much their family talked about the amazing nurses at chemo that kept her going and how much she loved them and how kind they all were to her. They said they kept her hanging on much longer than she probably would've because of their kindness and friendship. Here's the email I already told you about...
Friend,
Today at my chemo, my favorite nurse told me that this is her last week working here. She's been at UVRMC working in the ER room part time, and is now going full time. Her name is Becky Beard! She said that you two used to work there together. Small world. She told Dave and me the story of you guys on slow nights playing the washing machine game on the elevator and the Zamboni game! How hilarious! I could see you two together! I'm going to miss Becky soooo much. She has always cheered me up when I come.
Love you,
Judy
Anyway, just in case you weren't aware, just wanted you to know what a difference you made... That's really neat to be able to have such a positive influence on someone's life! Hope you're doing well!

It's amazing to know what a difference the small things you do for people, may make the world so much better for that peron. It makes me want to be an even better person, and find ways to reach out and help others even more!

Anne

On Saturday a family friend passed away. Anne was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma a year and a half ago. She went through several different chemotherapy regimens, biochemotherapy, radiation, cyberknife, and essentially exhausted her options. She fought an amazing fight, and I have been so impressed as I have heard bits and pieces.
I first met Anne through her sister Mary, one of my best friends and pretty much a sister. Over the 14 or 15 years since I have known Mary, I have met several of her family members. When Anne and Ward were newly weds, they came and stayed with me and my siblings while my parents were on vacation. I remember Anne teaching us sign language she had learned from a class, telling us some dating stories, job stories, embarrassing moments, and more.
My heart aches for Ward and his 3 beautiful girls, his family and Anne's family. What a heart wrenching thing to have to endure. But I am reminded of the gift of the Atonement, that a loving Father in Heaven provided for each of us if we will take advantage of it.