When I thought about how I might describe myself on my new website, I realized I am about the many people throughout my seventy-two years who have given me the confidence to venture into the unfamiliar landscapes of life. Often without saying a word, they conveyed the one sentence I most needed to hear.
I believe in you.
- Like my first editor, Nick Sharkey, and publisher, Harry Stapler . . .
- Like former Michigan State football coach Denny Stolz . . .
- Like Billy Martin, former Detroit Tigers manager . . .
- Like the woman in South Africa . . .
- Like Clarence Underwood, the Michigan State University Athletic Director . . .
- Like mentors Dave Nelson, Dick Miller, Tracy Wimberly, Judy Braun, Dianne Blanco . . .
- Like Baxter Healthcare CEO Harry Kraemer . . .
- Like renown poet Jack Ridl . . .
- Like leadership coach Alene Moris . . .
- Like Eric Stemle, childhood friend, author and Wyoming teacher of the year . . .
- Like my parents, Jane and Harry McKinney . . .
- Like Rubin . . .
- Like all who read my books, blogs, invite me to speak, share their thoughts, and support me on this journey of caring.
When I began sharing the stories on my About page, it was as if any clouds of doubt, discouragement and disillusionment fractured. Streaks of hope dazzled the horizon. Anything became possible.
Do you have an example of someone who believed in you? Gave you the courage to do the seemingly impossible? Would you be willing to take a moment and tell that person? Share your story on this first post of 2025 either on the Journey page of my website or Facebook page?
Perhaps, one story at a time, we can fill the skies with light. Perhaps, if we remember to reach out and believe in each other, we can change the world.
Thank you for believing in me.
Mary
Thank you, Mary, for inspiring us to connect with those whose belief in us has enhanced our lives and in turn the lives of others. And thank you for believing in me! Today I want to honor Wendy Neininger, a teaching assistant in Michigan State University’s English department in the early 1970’s. Wendy taught me how to connect with my students by filling the margins of my journal and my papers with questions and comments and encouragement. She forever changed the way I looked at my role as a teacher. Wendy, your belief in me made a difference!
What a beautiful testimony! If only all of us had been encouraged in school rather than critiqued, who knows what wonders might have unfolded in our lives. Of course, what you have taught me in recent years is the value of encouragement at all times and in all aspects of our lives. Thank you.