"I don't go out there to..."

By Dennis Lowery

I returned yesterday from my business trip to Hawaii. It was pretty much non-stop the whole time--three islands--eight flights--in depth time with my client--all in 7 days. I learned more about what and who he is and most importantly--about the quality of his humanity, which helps me to shape the message of his book.

I believe that richness in life comes from not only what we do ourselves that is of importance and valuable to us but also from what we take away and learn from others. The quality and character of those around us are like the spice or seasoning in our daily diet. Get them right and the meal is good; get them perfect and the meal is sublime and memorable.  

This past week, from a business perspective I spent time with a consummate professional (my client, a surgeon) and gained insight and respect for how much work goes into what he does--and how much he appreciates the opportunity to do what he does. I met another professional (my client's wife) who runs a successful company, is a wonderful wife and a great mother—an elegant and lovely lady who gives me a purer definition of taste and class at their most meaningful levels. I met an intelligent and beautiful young lady (my client's daughter), an artist who is loved by, and gives love to, her parents and has the world and a wonderful life before her as she truly deserves. They welcomed me into their homes, we dined out together and they even cooked dinner for me on my last night on Maui. They are special people and it was a sublime experience.

I emailed them late yesterday to let them know I'd arrived home and to thank them again for the time spent with them. I received the following in an email from my client's wife this morning:

I want you to know how much we appreciate all that you offer us and how grateful we are that Larry found you! 

After we dropped you off at the airport, Larry said he knew in his heart that he just spent time with someone he wants to stay close to all his life, and Cal and I wholeheartedly agreed and seconded the feeling. 

I believe this journey we are on together will continue beyond your books.  I’m glad you arrived home safe and sound…..have a wonderful week!  

This profoundly moved me and I replied:

Thank you so much for that; I am honored by it, by what Larry had to say and how you all feel! I feel the same way about staying close. When I got in yesterday, I told my wife, Daphne, and oldest daughters that I met an extraordinary family on my trip and that I was impressed and touched deeply by them. They have not heard me say that about too many people… in fact I doubt my wife has heard me say that more than a handful of times in the nearly 30 years we’ve been together.

I know our journey will continue farther than with just the books and am so glad that we met and connected. I truly am honored.

While in Hawaii I read the following quote (it was unattributed so I don't know who said it). It startled me with its clarity about leading a life worth living--and how if I had not made this recent trip... what I would have missed:

"I don't go out there to catch the waves...

I go out there to not miss the waves."

People and experiences are a lot like waves... I'm so grateful for not missing this one.

Comments

[Vicky Klopp]

Is every thing we observe on this earth, in reality, a metaphor?

In quantum theory there are waves and particles, that exist, kind of like in an ocean. One may have to be content observing the quanta wave, not "catching" it.

Vic