How much of an impact have I made in the world? Is it enough for someone to notice if I don't show up to class tomorrow? Is it enough that someone I haven't talked to in years would miss me? Is it enough for someone to call my phone checking to see if I'm ok?
I would hope the answer to these questions would be yes, but what about those few no's in my life? What about those few people I have wronged over the years? Or those few people who left my life on a bad note? No matter how it ended, would they think of the impact I made in their life, and miss me anyway?
What about those people who walk by me every day or sit by me in class that I've paid no attention to? Would I even notice if they were gone? What kind of impact have I had on their lives if I never even say "hello?" When they think about if I would notice if they were gone, do they just assume the answer is no?
There are so many people I know who don't know the impact they've had in my life. There have been times when I've only had one friend, but they've stuck by my side. There have been people who stop to pick up something I've dropped on that one day when I felt like no one cared. And I remember it... I remember those smiles when someone passes by. Those times when someone greets you with a "good morning" when they pass, letting you know they know you're there. And I think "I wonder if they know they took away that loneliness" or "I wonder if they know that I appreciate their acknowledgment" or even "I've had a shitty day, and that really let me know someone cares."
I think everyone has made an impact in someones' life, even if they don't realize it. I don't know if the person who sits behind me in class would notice if I'm not there, but I would sure hope they would. Regardless, I will let them know I would notice them...
