Dear Ted and Randy,
So many beautiful stories, but one comes quickly to mind.
I had noticed one gentleman on the trip remained distant and we were now on our post trip. I was talking with the front desk clerk when the gentleman passed by and glared angrily at me. I immediately ended my conversation and followed the gentleman outside, where I gently approached him and asked if there was a problem I needed to be aware of. He stated that he did not care for me as a leader. I acknowledged that I was aware that he did have that option. However, I understood not everyone likes the leaders but that I did respect and like him and I had would continue to choose not to “throw that respect away just because he didn’t care for me.” Just giving him permission to have those emotions and that I was definitely going to continue liking him,(and that was not difficult as he was such a nice person) released the emotions he had carried and he and his wife became two of my fondest memories. I will never forget how helpful he became and how much he ended up enjoying his journey to Iceland…and, our friendship as fellow travelers.
Carol Conner
A most appreciative ITMI graduate