DTM Merryl,
If I could turn back the hands of time, I would wind it down to the first time I met you, by the entrance of Deloitte and Touche offices in Harare, Zimbabwe. I was still new in Toastmasters and it was my first time to attend Club Officer Training. When you saw me I could literary see your face beaming with genuine love and enthusiasm as you stretched your hand to greet me with a smile so brilliant. You went ahead to say,”Let me give you a badge.”
Initially, I got confused as I tried to think what I had done to deserve such hospitality. I didn’t think you were referring to me so I almost ignored you as I continued on my path. Nevertheless as I moved closer you pinned the badge written ‘ASK ME ABOUT TOASTMASTERS‘ on my jacket as you introduced yourself, name only, and left out your title as you asked for my name too. That’s when I realised you were not confusing me with anyone but you were just happy to see me. And that was just in your nature. If only I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have let another day pass without me recruiting myself into your close team there and then. Thank God for the opportunity. I finally got to be in the Leads Team where I worked closely with you, for just for a few months, but long enough to get to know you better.
“When our time on earth is done, money and material things are nothing, but the love, time and kindness we give to others shine and live on forever.” I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for the love you gave me, the time you invested in me and the kindness you showed me, moulding me to become a great selfless leader. Many thanks for being so generous, extraordinary and good natured.
I am so glad you were there for me with that smile which boosted my confidence. It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge that sometimes you will never realize the true value of a moment until it’s become a memory. Indeed the Leads Team has lost a true cadre, a wonderful friend and leader. Now it’s really hard to turn the page when you know someone won’t be in the next chapter, but the story must go on.
It was difficult for the Leads Team to hold our first meeting without you last night, 14th May 2021. We found strength and comfort knowing that it is people who die and not the relationships. We still have you as our leader at heart and this vision of yours is alive in us. “ASK ME ABOUT TOASTMASTERS” We shall continue to raise the Toastmaster’s flag so high and reach out to many.
Still hurting cause it matters –
Blessing Siboniso ACB, ALB,
Vice President Public Relations – Executive Toastmasters Club