No, We've Met Before

Years ago, my sister was teasing my grandmother and proudly proclaimed herself the black sheep of the family. Then she turned to me and said, "Malena, you'd be the black sheep of the family, if anybody knew you were part of the family."

I laughed. It did happen a lot. Even when shopping with my family at a grocery store as a child, some acquaintance of my mother's would say hello and assume I'm my younger sister's friend.

As an adult, I've worked with people in one environment and bumped into them later. The conversation goes like this:

Former co-worker: Oh, you worked at so-and-so? I worked there too. I don't think we've been introduced.

ME: No, we've met before. I worked there, when you did.

Why did I mention this?

Fundraising.

I had my one-on-one meeting yesterday to go over some basic TNT information. Fundraising is my concern. There was an information sheet with brainstorming ideas of who I could send donation request letters to.

It's a great list. But as a person who doesn't talk with a lot of other people… it's just a reminder of the challenge ahead. I don't have a babysitter, attorney, bookkeeper, manicurist, or veterinarian. No one sold me a house or bridal gown or computer.

It just seems odd to say, "Hey, I know I don't talk to you at all (or haven't in a very long time), but I need your help." It's a great cause. I'm trying to think if the shoe was on the other foot, would I help that person out.


I want to end on a positive note, so I guess it's to push that angle. "You don't hear from me often, but this is an important cause. It's so important that I'm hoping we can get passed the awkward "I haven't heard from her in years" part… And, yes, we've met before."

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