Correspondence

Dear Ben -

I met you last week at the North American Conference on Customer Management. I am sure you don't remember me, but I was one of the many people that stood in the long line to have you sign your book and CD that I gladly bought.

I wanted to tell you how important meeting you was for me. You see, my husband died this past April. He was absolutely the love of my life. And I have spent the last 6 months just surviving from day to day. I guess I can say that I had not really decided whether or not I was ready to commit to living again. Even as I walked into the conference room that morning, I was in a bit of a funk.

You immediately had my attention, for you see, I had seen the 60 Minutes story they did on you. You made an impression on me then, and I was intrigued by seeing you in person. You definitely did not disappoint me. In fact, you inspired me, energized me, and helped create a sense of enthusiasm for me that day.

I read your book on the airplane as I returned home. So much of what you have to say coincides with some of the spiritual journeying I have been doing. As the saying goes - when the student is ready, the teacher will come. You are definitely a teacher for me.

The purpose of this note is really to thank you for opening up possibility in me. Being somewhat of a perfectionist at heart (and almost always falling short of that goal), I have decided that if I am going to give everyone else an "A", that I have to give myself on too. How liberating! But most of all, you have helped me move from "survival" to actively living again. This does not mean that I will not still have (and have had) my bad days, but now I can look at my board and determine how I want my game of life played. That gift you have given me - and I wanted you to know that you have touched my life. Thank you again from my whole heart.