In the “Movie It’s A Wonderful Life,” Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal of a person questioning his relevance to family, friends, and community should give us pause to ponder the hustle and bustle of lives we lead and ask ourselves; How relevant are we?

I personally never thought in these terms. I felt it was a bit self-serving, especially for a narcissist.

A friend from my hometown, who I have known since high school, called me out of the blue. She said our mutual friend, whom I had not seen or heard from for many years, had called her to get my contact information. While reflecting on his past and success, memories came flooding back, and he wanted to talk to me about it. Naturally, I was curious, so she gave me his phone number and suggested I call him. So I did.

He was glad to hear from me. Then, after reminiscing, he got serious and began this tale. As we grew up together, I thought I knew him but did not. I lived in town, so I was a “townie,” and he lived on the outskirts. I did not know his father had died while he was young and raised by his mom. Although he appeared as an average middle-class child, he said finances were always a struggle in his family, but he was proud of his mother and thankful for all she had done and provided for him and his siblings.

I was taken aback by his story and found it quite touching, but I still had no idea what this had to do with me.

He continued. He said the thought of college in high school was furthest from his mind. Grades were ok, although the course of study he was taking was not college-bound material, and due to limited finances, he had made it prohibitive. The future looked bleak. The possibility of going down the wrong road looked real.

By now, my curiosity was getting me a little antsy. So I said you are a very successful business and family man, and I don’t know what you are talking about …….and before I could finish my tirade into frustration ( I don’t have much lasting patience), he said, “WAIT!! Hang in there, and you will see.

He said, “Do you remember the Cooperative Work Experience and Study Program offered in high school? I said I do vaguely, as I believe my father, who was a teacher, was the one who created it. He said that’s right. It seems he had uncovered some articles in his house that he had cut out from our local paper and saved when we were in high school. It showed a picture of him and a story about my Dad. It explained my friend was on the verge of dropping out of school when my father intervened and persuaded him to join his program.

The porogram worked by matching students with local businesses willing to take on trainees to learn a craft while they also went to school to finish their education.

My friend was matched and went to work with a very successful commercial heating and cooling contractor. He learned drafting in school and used this skill on his job. Slowly but surely, he moved up the ladder and continued there even after graduation. The experience and knowledge he gained were immeasurable.

He said, “now, here is where you come in.” I never had the opportunity to appropriately tell your Dad what I am about to say to you (my Dad has been gone for over twenty-five years). But now, later in my life, I realize I have to tell you because the impact on me has been so profound.

He said, “Your Father changed my life.”

Frankly, I don’t know what would have become of me, and dwelling on such a thought is haunting. But your Dad cared about me and many others like me. He was our teacher and mentor, and we owe him a great deal of gratitude, and I wanted you to know.

I thanked my friend for his kind words. It meant a lot to my family and me.

“Relevance” is a simple word with a vast meaning. The impact one might have on another might not be immediately recognized but might make a substantial unforeseen change in another’s life.