I wanted to lead off with one "lollipop moment" I think about quite often. It was a moment so influential in my life, but it's probably something she doesn't even remember at this point. We are no longer in touch, but I hope to have the courage to send this on someday.
I took Latin in high school, and my freshman year, I sat behind a girl named Kelly. Kelly was in the year before me, so I was naturally super shy around her (as per usual for all of my childhood and nearly all of my adulthood thus far). But the one day, as another friend and I were talking about the upcoming Junior High musical production that we were preparing for, she mentioned that she was part of a youth group that did musicals. And even better for me, a Catholic youth group that did musicals! So, we exchanged email addresses, and by the end of the week, Kelly had sent along this information to us about auditions. My friend never got on board, but I auditioned, and as you will read, the rest is history.
Now, let me just say that I am the absolute worst at following up with people after I suggest something cool to them. I will mention it, forget about it, have someone remind me, then promptly forget about it again. But I can not say how utterly thankful I was towards Kelly for remembering to pass on the information to me.
Like I said, I was painfully shy as a kid, and junior high was probably the worst experience of my life. My "rock bottom" was 7th grade, when I felt more lonely than I ever had (and maybe ever have since). In the 8th grade, I started a sort of "personal improvement" plan to try to make people like me more. This plan mostly consisted of watching what confident people did, and trying to emulate that. Basically, fake it till you make it. I consciously tried to start talking to people I didn't know. I held my head up high when I walked instead of looking at the ground. I smiled more, listened more, and talked about my own problems less. (NOTE: At the time this was a good thing. One day, I may make a post for the person who helped me to realize that opening up about my problems was an okay thing to do.)
I remember walking into that audition, and knowing only three people. Kelly was one of them. She came right up to me and said how excited she was that I had come out for them. Even just that small gesture did wonders for a girl who was self-conscious, insecure, not sure whether this was a good idea, and feeling very small amidst a group of people who had known each other for ages. I mean, most of them went to elementary school together, and there I was, the newbie in every way. I did not even belong to that parish!
I remember small moments with Kelly throughout my experience with this youth group until her graduation. Her coming up to me during a prayer time at a retreat and having her just ask how I was doing. Talking about the Bible verse that says to "do everything without grumbling or questioning." Getting "Prayer Mail" from her that helped to boost my confidence. Just...having fun at the musical practices.
Like I said, Kelly may not even remember that she was the one who introduced me to my youth group. But I can never forget. Because I have her to thank for so much. First of all, it gave me a spiritual home during high school (and beyond) in a church that, for once, provided something for my age group. (The church I grew up in was not like that.) This church is still the one I name as my home, the one I teach CCD in, the one where I feel a member of the community.
Also, my involvement in youth group was the first time I remember actually choosing the faith I grew up in for my own. I was so hungry in those days for more after my CCD years had ended, and I had no idea where to find it or where to start. This youth group ended up being a damn good start. It fostered an interest in the Catholic faith that led me to retain my faith in college. Once there, I discovered the truth contained within the faith in such a way that I chose to do graduate school in Catholic Studies for two years. Because joining youth group was that first small step, I can't help but trace this entire trajectory of events back to Kelly's one invitation, almost twelve years ago.
Kelly is now somewhat of a local celebrity, and I cannot help but surge with pride whenever I hear her name. I can't help but think, "Because of this action of hers, however small it may have been at the time...she has made an immense contribution to the person I am today." Thank you, Kelly, for your invitation all those years ago. You have no idea how much I have to thank you for.
