Wonderful moments

Because we are so focused on the future, we seem to whiz past the wonderful moments of the present.

Let me share with you a wonderful opportunity I almost missed because of a selfish thinking moment.

I was sitting at a café in the Fillmore eating lunch, conversing with a young man, at a different table, who I see there often. A gentleman came over and put some papers in the paper rack. Dave – the young man – went to the rack and to get one. I asked him the name of the paper. His reply: The Western Edition.

I always wanted to write a column for a newspaper.

I started a paper on my own once. I took on many tasks and didn’t want to take on another, putting myself on overload now that I had retired. Of course, my mind said, “Girlfriend, you can do one more thing.” I told Dave I always wanted to write a column.

He pointed to a man leaving the café saying, “He is the editor.” I got up from my chair and walked quickly so the man would not get away. I told him I would like to write a column for his newspaper. He told me to send him something.

I did. I was excited seeing my column in print. After writing the second column I was told the column had to be for youngsters. My mind was set to gear the column for adults, parents and relationship issues.

I had to re-think what would go into the column. I had just retired after teaching 34 years and was ready to take some time off after doing lesson plans all those years – plans that were geared towards students!

So I was not ready to go back into writing something for youngsters. I then reflected on the wonderful moment I experienced the first time I saw my words in print. I realized I needed to not focus on the format of the column, just being able to write it.

I have been asked to write for others: a piece for a journal about the greatest moment in my life; also an anthology about older women. But my columns offer helpful hints for parents on raising their children and provide children with tips on how to treat their parents. I get to talk to people of all ages and I get to fulfill my dream.

And to think I almost missed this wonderful opportunity because of a selfish thinking moment.

Mary Midgett is the author of “New York Flavor with a San Francisco Beat.” The San Francisco resident is available to do presentations and seminars on social and family negotiations. She also conducts workshops on parenting, self-esteem and social and intimate relationships. For more information, visit www.marymidgett.com or email midgettcorner@aol.com.

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