Friend You Haven't Met
By Laura Schroeder

Have you ever heard the phrase "a stranger is just a friend you haven't met"? We don't make connections with every person we meet, but the ones we do connect with were because of time getting to know that person.

In a short story book I self published, I shared stories from the people in my life. At the time the events took place, life felt frustrating because I felt like I didn't have support. Throughout the process, I grew into a strong woman and have been able to build up others needing encouragement.

I began with telling about my grandfather, who was an orphan in Hells Kitchen, New York at the turn of the century. Next I told about the women I lived amongst while in public housing. My life over the past twenty five years has included raising a blended family, being a foster parent, working on self improvement and being active in the community.

There are stories I was unable to share, due to the sensitive nature and out of respect for privacy of those involved in the situations. In my efforts to write a second short story book, I have experienced writer's block and am stuck at the moment. However, I don't want to rush the process, as sometimes stories are developed over a period of years.

You meet people each day that you don't particularly take note of, but when an extraordinary event occurs, you are able to recount the smallest details. Every person that comes across your path leaves something you can learn from. We are not above another. Had circumstances been reversed, you could be in their shoes.

Take time to get to know the person who crosses your path every day. Do they have a sense of humor? Have they made an effort to greet you as you come through the door? Did you thank the person who takes care of every detail? Even if you don't visually see it, someone has prepared the day for you before you even got out of bed. The cleaning crew made sure the building was sparkling. The cook prepared the kitchen in the restaurant. The sanitation workers picked up the garbage while it was still dark. The bus driver started the route miles before you were picked up.

If we can practice an attitude of gratitude, we will begin to see the strangers in our lives as friends we haven't met yet. Who knows, you just might find out you had more in common than you thought.

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