Did you ever meet someone, or have an experience that you just couldn't forget? I had two such experiences this past weekend while exhibiting my book at the Miami Book Fair International. Everyone who visited the booth impacted me significantly, but these two in particular really sent home a message that we all can learn from. Here is the first, I will post the second in the days to come.
The first is about a young girl who I believe was approximately ten or eleven years old. That's right, I said ten or eleven years old! I was sitting behind the table where I had displayed several of my books; "Breaking Free from Hepatitis C, A Personal Journey". I looked up to see a young girl reading the title of the book as she paused, while passing by. As I watched her; her lips moved as she read the title while her eyes opened wide with hope. Looking me straight in the eyes she said;
"I have Hepatitis C"
"You Do?" I questioned
"Yes" she said.
I didn't know what to say, honestly, I was shocked. She was the first child I had ever met who was infected with the virus. All of the experiences of being diagnosed and treated came rushing back as I wondered what she was going through and how she and her family were dealing with her diagnosis.
About that time; the adult who was accompanying the little girl who I believe may have been her mother, said "C'mon, lets go". The little girl smiled at me as she dropped her head in disappointment; followed the adults instructions, and walked away. I felt my eyes fill with tears as I sat back in my chair in disbelief.
About fifteen minutes later, while I was speaking to a man about his brothers diagnosis; I was interrupted by my friend who was sharing the booth with me. She said that this person had to leave and wanted to get a copy of the book before she left. As I looked towards where my friend was pointing, there stood the young girl from fifteen minutes earlier. Once again I was shocked! That young girl had talked the adult who was accompanying her into returning to the booth so that she could purchase the book. She pulled crumpled dollar bills from her pocket with pride, and handed them to me. (In retrospect; I should have just given her the book, but I'm telling you......I couldn't think straight.) I smiled as I cleared the lump in my throat and handed her my personal contact information. I told her to call me anytime she wanted to talk; I pray she does.
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What an incrediable story! Proof possitive that we are placed where we need to be at any given time! I pray that this young lady or her family reads your story and calls you. This book is changing lives and offering hope one person at a time and by sharing your experience with this young lady reminded me how each of us has the ability to impact others day by day!
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