Class Ring Almost 40 Years Later

Ok…this one got to my heart.  I actually was speaking to two students in my office after hours about basic banking 101 when an employee came to my office and said, “there is a student and his grandmother standing outside and wants to see you”.  Obviously it was already after hours, the door was locked and I was still with someone.  The look on my face told a story I am a little ashamed of now.

However, if you know me I politely excused myself and asked if I could speak with the student.  As I walked to the door I was immediately greeted with a smile and a proud look of accomplishment. This student had designed his own high school graduation ring and had saved up the money to purchase it himself.  But there was more.  With a smile on his face he then presented me with a second piece of paper.  He introduced me to his grandmother and said, “Grandma this is the lady that helps us”.  He then continued with, “ Mrs. Lorenda I also designed my grandmother a High School Graduation ring”.  She smiled and said, “40 years later but I am getting a ring too!”  I looked down at the paper and proudly on the ring design it had “Class of 1977” and her name. My face then told the story I am telling you.  I hugged the young man and congratulated his grandmother and told them both how proud I was for them.

With my head hung down, I went back to my office feeling a little embarrassed by my previous action.  What if I would not have gone? Would his excitement have been squelched because of my action?   It was obvious I didn’t want to take that extra time or energy to go and see what that young man needed. But… oh how thankful I was that I had taken the time!   I immediately told those in my office what had happened and how proud he was of himself.  They then shared in his joy.  I also decided I myself had learned a lesson.  Not only is it never too late to fulfill your dreams and help others along the way. But WOW what we miss out on…when we don’t open the door to others!