More Re-Connections

So I walked into a building yesterday and ran into the manager of the HR program I'm in at Microsoft. As we were talking, I noticed a man walk up to the reception desk. When he turned around, I recognized him as the son of my first Cub Scout den mother and one of my friends growing up in elementary school (Jeff Bean, for those who know who I'm talking about). Other than the shiny spot on the top of his head (if you know his great father, you know he didn't stand a chance), he was the spitting image of his 8-year-old self. I excused myself, and we chatted for a few minutes on our way to our separate meetings. SO cool to see him again after so long.

I love reconnecting with old friends. I don't know exactly what it is about the experience, but it somehow brings my life full-circle and makes me realize how interdependent I am with the people I've interacted with through the years. I think it also has something to do with me staying in touch with my whole self, recognizing that the experiences I've gone through and the people who have befriended me over the years have all contributed in meaningful ways to me becoming someone today that I can love and respect -- despite all my weaknesses (of which I'm acutely aware). And in those times when I doubt myself, I think about those people with whom I am connected, and I realize that all is well. Am I a "relationship person" or what? ;-)

So, while I've been watching an internal Microsoft Breakfast Series webcast on leadership, by Kevin Turner, I've found 4-5 more connections on Facebook with people I know and love from my mission in Austria. How fun is that??? (The leadership presentation is good too! ;)