A Life That Makes A
Difference
by Steve Goodier
"How do you account for your remarkable accomplishment in life?" Queen
Victoria of England asked Helen Keller. "How do you explain the fact that even
though you were both blind and deaf, you were able to accomplish so much?"
Ms. Keller's answer is a tribute to her dedicated teacher. "If it had not been
for Anne Sullivan, the name of Helen Keller would have remained unknown."
Speaker Zig Ziglar tells about "Little Annie" Sullivan, as she was called when
she was young. Little Annie was no stranger to hardship. She was almost
sightless herself (due to a childhood fever) and was, at one time, diagnosed as
hopelessly "insane" by her caregivers. She was locked in the basement of a
mental institution outside of Boston. On occasion, Little Annie would violently
attack anyone who came near. Most of the time she generally ignored everyone in
her presence.
An elderly nurse believed there was hope, however, and she made it her mission
to show love to the child. Every day she visited Little Annie. For the most
part, the child did not acknowledge the nurse's presence, but she still
continued to visit. The kindly woman left cookies for her and spoke words of
love and encouragement. She believed Little Annie could recover, if only she
were shown love.
Eventually, doctors noticed a change in the girl. Where they once witnessed
anger and hostility, they now noted an emerging gentleness and love. They moved
her upstairs where she continued to improve. Then the day finally came when this
seemingly "hopeless" child was released.
Anne Sullivan grew into a young woman with a desire to help others as she,
herself, was helped by the loving nurse. It was she who saw the great potential
in Helen Keller. She loved her, disciplined her, played with her, pushed her,
and worked with her until the flickering candle that was her life became a
beacon of light to the world. Anne Sullivan worked wonders in Helen’s life, but
it was a loving nurse who first believed in Little Annie and lovingly
transformed an uncommunicative child into a compassionate teacher.
"If it had not been for Anne Sullivan, the name of Helen Keller would have
remained unknown." But if it had not been for a kind and dedicated nurse, the
name of Anne Sullivan would have remained unknown. And so it goes. Just how far
back does the chain of redemption extend? And how for forward will it lead?
Those you have sought to reach, whether they be in your family or elsewhere, are
part of a chain of love that can extend through the generations. Your influence
on their lives, whether or not you see results, is immeasurable. Your legacy of
dedicated kindness and caring can transform lost and hopeless lives for years to
come.
You can never overestimate the power of your love. It is a fire that, once lit,
may burn forever.
Steve Goodier
Publisher@LifeSupportSystem.com is a professional speaker, consultant and
author of numerous books. Visit his site for more information, or to sign up for
his FREE newsletter of Life, Love and Laughter at
http://LifeSupportSystem.com.