Martha and the magic of a random phone call

I was a puppy elementary school teacher when I got to know a woman named Verna. She was the go-to piano teacher for the kids and beloved by all.

Earning a whooping $8000 a year, I rented a room from a widow who was one of Verna's dear friends. They'd go to movies, play cards, and had a lively social life.

One day Verna was over and shared with me the news of her son's passing. He was ~ 38 and left behind two small children. I couldn't imagine what that was like for her as mother and grandmother.

Many years later I was looking up a phone number in my address book (some readers will remember the paper version) and saw Verna's name. I made a random call.

Her daughter was the props master for The Secret Garden on Broadway which had won the Tony.

"How's the play?" I asked enthusiastically.

She went on to explain that she hadn't seen it as she was now needed to use a wheelchair.

"I'll take you!"

Next I knew we were driving from Boston to the stage door. She read the play to me on the ride down to Manhattan.

On the drive back she reminisced as we drove through Connecticut that her former daughter-in-law had remarried. Verna has been invited to the wedding and had a chance to see her grandchildren. It was a remarkable experience for many reasons including the catering .... the sister of her former daughter-in-law was none other than Martha Stewart.

I recently saw Martha speak in Boston and the opportunity to share the story of Verna.

I encourage you today to give the gift of a phone call. You never know where it will lead you!

Happy Valentine's Day ... from a real darling!

p.s. Here's a link if you'd like to take a look at Martha Stewart's remarks.