The Profound Impact of Fleeting
People in Our Lives
In the grand tapestry of our lives, people come and go, leaving impressions that linger long after they’ve moved on. Some encounters are brief, like a gust of wind that rustles the leaves but is gone before you can fully appreciate its presence. Others stay a while, influencing the course of our journey, yet eventually, they too must part ways.
These fleeting people, whether they are friends, acquaintances, or even strangers, teach us valuable lessons. They remind us of the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Each interaction, no matter how brief, shapes our experiences and contributes to our growth.
Friends from High School and College
Reflecting on my high school and college years, I am reminded of friends who, despite their temporary presence in my life, left a lasting impact. In high school, we bonded over shared classes, sports, and extracurricular activities. Our friendships were intense and all-consuming, yet as we graduated and pursued different paths, many of these bonds faded. Similarly, college brought new friends and new experiences. We shared laughter, late-night study sessions, and dreams for the future, but graduation again dispersed us across different cities and careers.
A Memorable Encounter on a Flight
One particular encounter stands out vividly in my memory. When I traveled to America, I met a friend on my flight from LAX to Houston. She was a talkative Filipina with a fiancé visa, and we bonded in the waiting area at LAX. We spent more than 12 hours talking about her life. Despite being more of a listener than a talker, I found myself completely engaged in her stories. Upon arriving in Houston, she mentioned her next flight would be to Texas, and we parted ways. She told me to find her on “Peace book.” At first, her heavy Filipino accent confused me, and I thought she was referring to a Bible app or something related to peace. It took me an hour to realize she meant “Facebook.”
My ESL Journey
My journey as an ESL teacher introduced me to a diverse array of students from China, America, Korea, Japan, and Malaysia. From the very start, I had many Chinese students. I often wonder how they are now and what they are doing. My first student, Dora, who was seven years old, is likely a teenager now.
I think of my student friend who owned a music label in Shanghai. She was older and a chain smoker, and I wonder if she is still alive and still running her label. Another student, a Chinese girl studying at Harvard University, often took classes with me from her school, allowing me a glimpse into the Harvard library and campus. She was very beautiful, and I wonder where she is now. There was also a best friend student who transferred to Massachusetts. I regret not having the chance to say goodbye to her. The bonds I formed with my students were significant, and I often reflect on their lives and wonder how they have grown and what paths they have taken.
The Significance of Fleeting Connections
These fleeting connections, though brief, add richness to our lives. They might not stay, but their presence holds significance. The barista who remembers your name, the colleague who brightens your day with a kind word, and the travel companion whose path intersects with yours for a short time—all these individuals add color to our journey.
Embracing the transient nature of these relationships allows us to appreciate the beauty in the moment. It encourages us to be present, to listen, and to engage fully, knowing that these connections, though short-lived, hold significance. They are reminders to love deeply, act kindly, and live fully, for we never know how long we have with the people we meet.
So, let us honor the fleeting people in our lives. Let us celebrate the impact they have, no matter how small, and carry the memories of our interactions with gratitude. In doing so, we find meaning in the moments and joy in the journey, understanding that every person we meet is a thread in the intricate fabric of our existence.