Special things

One Friday evening when I was a teenager, I was being driven to a church function, and the driver, the Sunday school superintendent said, something to me that I've never forgotten.

Young man, you're going to do special things in your life. I see it.

When you're that young, you don't see it. You're too busy being a teenager.

But that moment has stayed with me.

There are special things left that I have to do. Some things I know. Others, I haven't the slightest idea.

Why do I believe in what's possible? Why am I as resilient as I am? Why am I so optimistic, even in the face of sadness?

Eleven words that were seared into the consciousness of a teenager.