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Commentary: Soak up the wisdom of other people’s parents

Contributed photo Larry and Lee Schnebly of Arizona inspire Other People's Parents' Day. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

ENLARGE PHOTO

Contributed photo

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Daryn Kagan, Contributing Columnist 2:50 PM Saturday, July 2, 2011

“Is this inspirational or what!” You would’ve thought 82-year-old Larry was responding to the most amazing thing he’d ever seen. Actually, it was one the frequent emails he sends me responding to the daily stories I post on DarynKagan.com, my website for stories that show the world what’s possible.

I always look forward what Larry has to say. He’s 82 going on 40 and has an enthusiasm for life that inspires me.

It seems like everything he has to say is kind, wise or both.

Larry is the father of my friend Lisa. I’ve known their family for more than 20 years. I’ve joined them for a week rafting the Grand Canyon. We’ve completed long-distance runs from San Francisco to his native Sedona, Ariz.

All along the way, I’ve been gifted with his kind and helpful words.

It strikes me now that we’ve gotten through the traditional celebrating of our own mothers and fathers for 2011, we should have what I would call Other People’s Parents Day.

I suspect I’m not alone in this. Do you have other people’s parents who have touched your heart, mind and soul over the years? Perhaps it’s because we’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with some incredible people.

Perhaps it’s as simple as we’re able to hear them differently, well, because they are not our parents.

Whatever the case, I know Larry and his wife, Lee, have moved and shaped me more than they can ever know.

Larry offers up gems like, “There’s a long way between going to dinner with a guy and marrying him.”

So simple, yet so true. That single thought has gotten me off the couch. I’ve taken my head out of an overthinking emotional tailspin and out the door simply for the adventure of meeting someone new without having to figure out if he’s The One.

The gem from Lee came many, many years ago during what felt like an extraordinarily painful chapter of a relationship. “Won’t it be interesting to see how it all turns out!” She seemed to delight.

Honestly, I thought the woman had to be somewhere between unsympathetic and nuts. How could she not see that I knew exactly how things were supposed to turn out! Oh, I now laugh at my reaction.

I want to tell Lee that you might be relieved to know that I now get it. Of course, it’s interesting to see how it all turns out.

What Lee had the wisdom to know and share was when you relax a little, give up control and enjoy the ride, it often turns out better than you could’ve ever imagined for yourself.

Accepting that I didn’t know how my love life or career were supposed to turn out has often meant going to dinner with the guy who didn’t need to be the one.

Going to the job interview that wasn’t supposed to be my next move, yet all leading to the place I was meant to be.

You’re doing this with me right now, aren’t you? You’re thinking of that other person’s parent who touched your life, as well.

Please join me, pick up the phone, send an email, send this column.

Do something to wish them “Happy Other People’s Parents Day!”

Larry and Lee, that’s what I’m wishing for you now. Thank you sharing wisdom even if I wasn’t ready to understand. Thank you simply for being you.

Daryn Kagan is the creator and host of DarynKagan.com, an online community that features a daily webcast of inspirational stories. She is the author of “What’s Possible! 50 True Stories of People Who Dared To Dream They Could Make a Difference.”

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