Yesterday I had the honor and privilege of speaking to History classes at Glenbrook South H.S. in Glenview, IL. (Tom, if you read this your pictures have added so much to my presentation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to use them. ) It was the first time I'd been back in the classroom in 2 years because of the pandemic. I was so excited to speak to the kids. Actually, I had an adrenaline rush that I've never experienced before. I asked God to use me to touch someone's heart with my story. The classes went great and as always, the kids were amazing. When I got home, I had an email from one of the teachers whose class I'd spoken to. I'm including it below.
I had this in my 'inbox' when I got home.
Hello,
I just want to say how amazing and impactful it was to have Mr. Haisley tell his story in class today. It has made a life-long impression on me and I am truly grateful for this experience! I am so happy he was able to do this and thank you so much!
Sincerely, Elle *****
This email got me to thinking, which can be pretty dangerous at times. ;-) Each of us has a story and is unique. Mine is no more special than anyone else's. That being said, I'm issuing a challenge. Memorial Day is just a few weeks away. I'm challenging you to share your story about LZ Margo with someone you don't know or someone close who's never heard it. Very simple and not complicated. There won't be a test on this, but I'm asking you to post what happened when you shared your story. If you post something, you get a free can of ham and motherf@%#*ers. Just kidding!!!!!
Let's see how many people are successful by Memorial Day.
Semper Fi
After I made the above post, I received a packet of thank you letters from the students that I spoke to at Glenbrook H.S. One of the things I struggle with is accepting that I can make a difference in someone's life. I truly don't see myself as being different or more special than anyone else. We've all had our trials and tribulations. As always, the letters the kids wrote touched my heart and I read most of them through tear-filled eyes. Several of the kids wrote of the difficult times they're experiencing and how my presentation gave them hope. It broke my heart to think that these young kids are already carrying this heavy baggage in their lives. I'm not special in any way, shape or form, but I'm slowly learning and accepting at 72-years of age that I can and have had a positive influence on others. Again, I strongly encourage you to share your stories. You never know who's heart you're going to touch. I know it can be difficult, but use the opportunity to inspire or make someone's life a little better. There is no doubt in my mind that God spared my life on September 16, 1968 for a reason. I begged God to spare my life that day and made so many promises that I never kept. Even though I've struggled so much, He never gave up on me and gave me hope. It's now my time to pass that hope onto others. We were all created on purpose, for a purpose. Semper Fi