The Last Handshake: Episode 7 Principle 7: Hero Saves the Day

A story about stories

Stories, the tapestry of our lives.

What makes a story real, relatable and memorable? I believe there are
7 principles in play that comprise a great story.
Please join me as I weave these principles into
The Last Handshake: A story about stories

 

Episode 7

Principle 7: Hero Saves the Day
At some point in your story, the hero needs to emerge and save the day. Sometimes in the most unexpected way.

I went to encourage Jim but I’m the one who ended up being encouraged.

I had just given Dorothy the T-shirt when Jim did the most amazing thing. The one thing only he was capable of doing.

After telling Jim how much he had meant to me, I really hadn’t thought about what else I was going to say to him. In a light-hearted kind of way, I said my boys don’t know about your famous handshake. People always talk about Jim’s handshake. And that’s when it happened.

Unable to really speak, Jim raised his hand to me. It wasn’t as firm as it used to be but I told him, “You’ve still got it!”

Here I was, trying to encourage my dying friend and he was the one encouraging me. Dorothy asked if I would say a prayer and then it was time to leave. Our visit didn’t last more than 10 minutes.

As she was walking us to the door, I heard Jim try to say something. Dorothy understood him and told us, “Jim says, Thank You.”

Those were the last words Jim said to me. The next morning he passed.

Looking back, I’m so glad I went and thankful the boys were with me. I’ll never forget my last handshake with Jim.

Final thoughts: What an experience!

But it almost didn’t happen. If there’s one thing I would like to leave with you it’s this. Never leave anything unsaid! Tell the people in your life what they mean to you and tell them while you still can.

Thank you for reading, The Last Handshake: A story about stories

Can I send you something? Keep reading to learn more.

I’m Tim Maudlin, Author, Storyteller and Graphic Designer. This story about stories was brought to you by the ACRONYM template. To get your complimentary template,
CLICK THIS LINK.
Did you enjoy this post? If so, please SIGN UP BELOW to receive more tips like this.