One word can change a life.
My moment was over 50 years ago.
I had screwed up again. Heavy consequences were piling up on me. I was scared. I chose to hide out where no one could find me. But me. And one other person: Professor Frank Tate, my best friend and life mentor.
He drove over 700 miles to meet me at a truck stop outside of Milwaukee. I spilled it all. Frank listened. He said he believed in me. He provided me a challenging pathway out.
I said, “I know I CAN do it.”
Frank clutched both of my hands from across the table and fixed his eyes on mine.
“No Don, you WILL do it.”
Frank died over two decades ago, but I’ve always remembered his sage advice. There’s a big difference between the tiny words of can and will.
Since that time at the truck stop, I’ve willed myself to work through some difficult personal challenges.
I think Professor Frank Tate is proud of me.
Getting in my way