We Were Meant to Meet

In 1997, while doing a little dinner theater show in Boca Raton, FL, I had the privilege of meeting a woman in her late 70’s who was a dialect coach for the Yiddish required in the show.  She was a cheerful sort, very interested in people and particularly interested in teaching what was her area of expertise.  Who knew that this chance encounter would lead to a sort of Tuesdays With Morrie relationship that has lasted 15 years and provides each of us with exceptional joy and exchange of powerful value in our lives.

I just returned from another visit with Miss Fay, who at almost 90, is probably the most inspirational living person that I personally know.  She thinks and speaks about living, not dying, though she knows she’s close (in years probably, not health wise…) and the power of “Happiness Now”.  And she tells me, she was meant to meet me!

What I’ve come to find is that being gracious and grateful for the kindness, value and support the people we surround ourselves with doesn’t just make up our life, it IS our life!  For some, Miss Fay may be difficult to take.  She’s so damned cheerful, positive and in teaching mode, that a person’s natural inclination to stand anything that GOOD, makes most cringe, wanting to get away or find fault.  Why is that?

Well, at the beginning it was kind of like that for me too.  I kept looking for the fault, the thing that would make her human, the resentment she held, the prejudice, the hurt…but it never showed itself.  Early on I resisted her showing me the way to properly hold a mixing spoon (I know how to hold a mixing spoon, damnit!) or how to peel a hard boiled egg.

Now I can’t wait to stand in her kitchen as she slowly and deliberately offers advice on proper containers for different kinds of food or which spice to add first, the pepper or the bay leaf.  Now I soak up every bit of positivity I can because I know I am in the presence of a rare find, a gem, a guru, a true soul of a pure wise and giving human being.

I asked to put her on video to have her with me when she passes.  She answered with a firm no as she wishes to be remembered the way she was when we met at a youthful 78 and not her slow, more wrinkled and slightly breathless state.  (Ok, vanity being the most damning human quality I can find).  So here I will put the ones that I have permission to.

She also said I will always remember her because she will never leave me.  In physical form perhaps, but never in my heart.  And she is right.

We were meant to meet and I am blessed and honored to visit her when I can and soak up such love and joy.  I wish everyone could meet someone they are meant to, and share in the good vibrations that are available when you remain open to others.  You never know who is going to make a large impact on your life…you just never know.

I have a richer life because Miss Fay is in it.  As I write this, she approaches her 92 birthday.  I want to be her when I grow up.  A writer and a blogger herself, she longs to share her wisdom with more people and I urge you to please take a moment to see what I see.  It would be great for you to make COMMENTS as that will add to her happieness.    CLICK HERE to read what I call Fayisms.  And also comment on this blog to tell me about the people that you have in your life like Miss Fay.