Blog #650: A Mom. A Daughter. And Thursdays.

I didn’t know.
Often, we don’t.

______

Dear Shawn,

I’m not a subscriber to your blog, but for the last 3 years, every Thursday, my Mom has read it to me. It became our Thursday thing. When she called, I would regularly answer, “Hello, Mom. Tell me what Shawn wrote today.”

Sadly, a month ago, my Mom passed away.

Things were not that good between us for a long time, but the Thursday call helped melt the ice. Unknowingly, you became our connection. You gave us something positive to reflect on together.

I miss Mom, and I will never forget our Thursday calls. I am grateful to you for that.

Thank you for Thursdays, Shawn.

______

I took a giant breath of “WOW!” after reading that.

And then I read it again.

We never truly know how far our ripples flow.

______

At this end…

The last eleven months have been exceptionally demanding.

I’ve only touched the surface in a blog or two about my challenges, but even through all of it, I’ve never failed to answer Thursday’s deadline and send this blog out.

It’s because you keep reading.

This is issue #650 of Extra Mile Thursday. Gratefully, I share that the blog’s weekly open rate (the percentage of people opening the email) has grown to its highest percentage ever. I say that not to boast, but in total gratitude that I’m writing something that shines enough value for you to keep opening it.

And THAT is what keeps me writing.

As long as I feel I’m adding value to you, my fingers, brain, and heart will continue to have a weekly brainstorm, and I will continue to publish Extra Mile Thursday.

So, how about we make a deal?

You keep reading.

I keep writing.

Every Thursday.

And if I could please make one more request.

If ever I write something you think is worth sharing with someone…

Please do.

S.