July 2017

The Ordinary Book That Transformed my Heart

Throughout our lives we form memories and acquire different materialistic possessions that become sentimental to us. Years pass by and younger generations acquire these possessions, which then grow into precious treasures. When many of us imagine finding a treasure, we think of discovering gold or something worth a lot of money; however, a real treasure is something that is close to the heart and delicately priceless as nothing compares to it.

Not too long ago, I was given what I thought was an ordinary, dusty, old book from the basement. To my surprise, I opened a treasure that will always remain very close to my heart. This sentimental piece is a book that holds pages of wisdom, intelligence, experience, and love. The book is titled, Dale Carnegie’s Scrapbook and below is a sub-title that reads, A Treasury of the Wisdom of the Ages. These pages are filled with quotes. The words in this scrapbook propelled Dale Carnegie forward in his life from a farm boy to the most well-known teacher to millions. The book was edited by Dorothy Carnegie, Dale Carnegie’s wife. Dorothy added words of wisdom from people that encouraged Dale Carnegie, and she also incorporated some of Dale Carnegie’s own words of inspiration. I love how Dorothy describes what kind of person Dale Carnegie was in the introduction. “Though beset by feelings of inferiority derived from his background, his poverty and his youthful lack of ability in sports, he managed to conquer every obstacle through courage, faith, and perseverance,” said Dorothy.

As I flipped through this book, the pages gave off the smell of an old library. The pages felt both rough and delicate at the same time. This treasure is rough in texture but should be handled delicately when turning the pages due to the age of the book. The cover looks bold with white and red letters on a dark blue background. Although this book is hard covered, it is light-weight and can be held for a long period of time without difficulty. The book is 23 centimeters in length and 16 centimeters in width. Although I must be careful when flipping the page, none of the pages are sticky or distorted. The book is not brand new; however, it is surprisingly in great condition and continues to spread beams of encouragement and gives ambition to those who seek wisdom from inside the surface.

This novel is different from the rest. I will cherish this book forever and read through these pages again and again for the rest of my life. This object is a book that was given to me last year from my father. The timing of when I was gifted with this book holds great significance to the story of this treasure. The object holds immense significance to me because it was my mom’s book. My mom, Linda, passed away when I was six years old. As a child, she was very timid and shy. For instance, she wouldn’t come down the stairs to open her Christmas presents. She hid her beauty from the world for many years. Until one day when she had decided to act and make more of herself. She strived for more in her life. Linda wanted to learn how to express herself in ways she hadn’t before. She wanted to break away from the shield she had been hiding behind for years; therefore, she became one of the millions of people who took the Dale Carnegie program. Her life turned upside down and she pushed through uncomfortable feelings and difficult situations to become the person she was destined to be. This book was given to my mother on September 12, 1979, after concluding her extensive journey through the Dale Carnegie classes. On the second page, there are hand-written words that say, “Awarded Graduate Development Program, September 12, 1979, Linda Settle.” She met other beautiful, unique, supportive people in her class whose signatures are all written inside the front cover of this treasure, making it more special to me.

The second part of why this novel holds such great significance to me is because of the timing I received this gift. It was crazy I acquired my mom’s special book at a time when I needed her. When I received this treasure, I was taking a Public Speaking course at Onondaga Community College (OCC). My major at the time was Interior Design, and I was uncertain if it was the career I wanted to pursue. After feeling like I had to take this public speaking course, I found the courage to register for this class. It was during this time I received my special book. After hearing inspirational stories about my mom and what she had endured in her life, I realized my struggles were very similar. This book was the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. Everything just clicked for me and each time I opened this book, I felt driven to keep pushing harder than I ever had in my life. After completing my public speaking course, it was like my purpose in life fell into place and had begun to grow into something beautiful. I was endorsed unexpectedly from my public speaking professor to become part of the Honor’s Society on campus. When I found out, I immediately cried as I read a letter written by the President of OCC. My life had finally changed in a way I can’t describe. It is very powerful to read this book and continue to be inspired by my mom and all the words written inside these pages. Since receiving my treasure, I push myself further every day. I was honored to be chosen as a Student Ambassador for OCC. My biggest leap of courage that was similar to my mom joining the Dale Carnegie program, was when I became a member of Toastmasters. I continue facing my fears every day, just like my mom did. I will never give up even when it’s difficult. I have been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor’s Society, and I am minoring in the Honor’s Program, here at OCC. It felt like a scroll unraveling in front of my eyes, which seemed impossible to transpire for someone like me, who had struggled in academia her whole life.

Life is a journey and I am on the way to discover my purpose. This treasure has inspired and helped me along the way to be a better person; therefore, these pages hold something deeper than just words. They hold a lifetime of love and inspiration from a woman who aspired to give herself in love to others. A strong woman who strived to learn how to accurately address others in a way that made them feel like they were the only ones that mattered. A woman without anger or hatred in her heart, just compassion and peace. A woman who was my mother and always loved me. She continues to guide and direct me through a path unknown to me, inspiring me to always give my best even through the trials and tribulations that I experience in life. This quote accurately describes the significance that this object has to me, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you,” stated in the poem, Footprints in the Sand.

A quote my dad has always reminded me of is, “Live in such a way that those who know you, but don’t know God, will come to know God because they know you.” My mom exemplifies this and leaves behind a treasure, which will always have a deep meaning to my life. This ordinary object isn’t just an object to me. It is a treasure that speaks loudly to my heart, impacting me personally in a profound way.

Treasure those you love who are here now.