I’ve been out much of the day at the annual fundraising luncheon for the Baton Rouge General Hospital. The interim CEO invited me to sit at her table; she is a fan of The Little Way Of Ruthie Leming, and someone who lost her own sister to cancer. As readers of Little Way will recall, Ruthie was treated in the oncology unit of the General, where she found a loving community among the staff. It was so moving to hear people there talk about what a difference humane care by doctors, nurses, and others at the General made in their own lives.

I was able to talk to a few folks about the book, and gratified to hear how moved they were by Ruthie’s story. One reader, aged 70, said that she and her older brother had been rivals all their lives, but finishing Little Way, she thought a lot better of him (by which she meant she reconsidered her relationship with him in a more generous light). We got to talking further, and I mentioned that next week, I am going to Amsterdam to visit an old friend who is fighting cancer. Inspired by Ruthie and her dedication after diagnosis to live each day with gratitude and gusto, I cashed in frequent flyer miles and am headed overseas to renew our friendship: to laugh with her, to remember the good times, and to enjoy the days we will have together.

The lady with whom I was talking said, “Hmm.” And then she said that hearing that story right then inspires her to make plans to visit a particular friend. We said goodbye.

I’m thinking now about the chain of causation here. Ruthie has been dead for coming up on two years, but she’s still inspiring small acts of love and appreciation that could have who knows what effect.

You’re reading this now, and you know somebody who needs to see you, or at least hear from you. Don’t put off reaching out to them. Seize the day. None of us are guaranteed a tomorrow. Besides, as Ruthie loved to say, with great and abiding hope, none of us know what God is going to do with us and through us.