Everyone fished out their iPhones from their pockets and purses as if it were an episode of synchronized swimming. Not to make calls or send texts – that would be too disrespectful. But for that other reason, Steve Jobs never thought about… reading menus 🙂
That said, I would not grow old with any other set of friends!
This is what he wrote to his Pez Club after we met… It would appear we make each other feel good!
Today I met my former director for coffee. I worked for him 25 years back and we’ve kept in touch all this time. In a nod to the tv ad, I refer to him as the most interesting man in the world. Each year he still calls on birthdays. The call may not last very long as his contact list has over 7000 entries. Do the math, that is a lot of calls each day! He has moved to another state so face-to-face visits only happen when business brings him in town. One face-to-face occurred in July 2021 when he rerouted his flight home to include a layover in Cleveland! He wanted to see firsthand the excitement of Pezamania. What is important to me became important to him. I took him room hopping for a bit which blew his mind. He even made it into the group picture – the only one wearing a sports jacket! Rerouted! Who does that?
He called last month to tell me he would been town in late October. Yesterday I got a message he would be in town for the next 4 days. “You are my first priority. So, wanted to fix a time to meet.” It was a great hour plus chat today with plenty of laughs (boy that felt good) and reminiscing. I wore a shirt today that he sent me and the old company logo’d jacket. (still fits!)
Also this week, I was exchanging messages with a couple of fellow collectors who are facing some crucial medical tests soon. A version of read/make/send clicked in my brain. So if I may be so bold to suggest, find someone today/tonight and tell them “you are my top priority”. I guarantee they will feel great and I’m sure you will too.
Here is the guy who has been a big influence in my life – with his humor, humility, and personal life story. I was fortunate enough to meet Larry and his bride, Donna, today. That shirt you see him wearing… it was one more in my funny T-shirt series. This one, I had gotten specially made for him – it says “I am that legendary Mason everybody is talking about!!”
To understand how the two of us form a “Mutual Admiration Society”, read this. (He wrote it to his Pez Club)
