“Unforgettable in every way
And forever more, that’s how you’ll stay.
That’s why, darling, it’s incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too”
–written by Irving Gordon in 1951, sung by Nat King Cole

Most everyone, I imagine, wants to feel unforgettable. What a luscious thought — to think that you’ve made such an impact on the life of another, that you’ll never be forgotten.

Nat King Cole was singing that song “Unforgettable” in romantic terms but I was thinking about it today in terms of our relationships with others, in general.

A few weeks ago I danced for joy as I read a note from a friend that included a thoughtful compliment she had given me.  Interestingly, it brought on a chain reaction that’s worth noting.

First, the moment I read her words, I thought about her and her very cool traits. What sort of person would feel compelled to make such a deeply thought-out, detailed, descriptive, kindhearted compliment like that?  I know her to be someone who doesn’t sugar coat, is pragmatic, chooses her words wisely, which made her words all the more meaningful.

Wait. Let me back up and admit, though, that I didn’t immediately think of her. At first, I simply basked in the warmth of her note.  Afterwards, I indeed thought about her. A feeling of admiration went traipsing through my brain as I thought of how courageous, pro-active, and always to the point she is.  I thought about her family and how nurturing she is.  I thought about her faith and how open she is to professing it.

Secondly, I felt a strong desire to get out and do something that would make a difference  — something that would indeed inspire others, be an encouragement in both heart and spirit.  I strongly wanted to live up to her compliment.

Thirdly, I began to see, as I processed the experience, how valuable it is to truly profess love for one another by taking positive, caring action with no expectations. Sounds like a trite, mushy, and overused sentiment? Well, for me, the clincher is that we’re talking no expectations. None. That can be a challenge. A tiny voice may be saying “What’s in it for me”.

In essence, looking back, it seems there were multiple good things that came out of that one moment’s connection.

Sharing or doing something for someone with no strings attached is a powerful action.  You’re telling the recipient that they’re valuable to you. They’re unforgettable. There’s no tit for tat, no “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours,” no tallying of deeds, no divvying up of favors to make things equal. It’s the idea of simply doing unconditional good towards another person — loved ones, friends, acquaintances and strangers alike.

It feels good, in part because it is so freeing.  And the side benefit?  We receive the great gift of becoming unforgettable.

I love the words to that song . . .

“That’s why, darling, it’s incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too!”

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