Small World, Big Impact: Celeste

I want to spend the next couple of days sharing with you some things I'm thankful for, so I thought I'd squeeze this tribute in today! Today's post continues something I started a couple of weeks ago...showing you some people I wrote about several years ago who made a marked impact on my life, although chances are good, you've never heard their names. They might not be famous, but they were pivotal in my journey by making a big impact on the world around them...regardless of how small that world might have been.

Today I wanted to introduce you to Celeste.

I was petrified the first time I ever had to call Celeste. I was new in my job, and I was aware that my job-related dilemma was probably a no-brainer. I was afraid I would appear stupid when I called her about it. Celeste worked at a lending institution that handled our student loans, and the person who trained me for my job had told me repeatedly to call Celeste if I had any questions, and she would be very helpful.

I dialed her number and stuttered through an introduction of who I was. In her Celeste-way, she immediately put me at ease and spent several minutes chatting with me and getting to know me before she ever approached my work question. I liked her right away, and after that, I always looked forward to calling her.

One day I called her about a loan, and in our friendly conversation, she found out I had recently been in the emergency room with some stomach issues. She told me she was so sorry I'd been sick, and she hoped I felt better soon. I dismissed the whole conversation after we hung up, but a couple of days later, our secretary delivered a card to my office.

Not sure who would be sending me a card {believe me, they weren't plentiful in that line of work!!}, I opened it, and much to my surprise, I discovered it was a get well card from Celeste. I was amazed. She was such a busy person. Our school alone kept her busy with research and trouble-shooting, and we weren't her only school. I had been more than satisfied with her willingness to go beyond her work duties to ask about me as a person. But to have her remember that I had been ill and even take the time to send me a card was highly impressive.

Celeste was promoted shortly after that, and I rarely get to speak with her anymore. I miss her cheerful voice, her joyful laugh, and her kind words of encouragement. Never before had a colleague in the kind of relationship we shared offered to pray for me or kept such careful tabs on my life. It made me feel special. It inspired me to look beyond the business side of my job and care about people as people.

Celeste, thank you for the interest you showed in me as a person, not just in me as a colleague. I miss talking with you, but I know you have moved on to be a blessing to a whole new group of people. I'll never forget your kindness to me...the kindness you showed through a simple get well card...one you probably don't even remember you sent. But I remember, and you have touched my life and inspired me to reach out and bring joy to others just as you did to me. Thank you.

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I have absolutely no idea where Celeste is today. After I left the school and the world of student loans, I never had the chance to interact with her again. I tried to find her on Facebook, but my search came up empty. But I'm confident that she is still the same kind-hearted, classy, life-loving Celeste who took pity on a fresh-out-of-college grad and tried to make her job a little easier. And I still strive to look outside the required job to see the heart of people - because of Celeste.