I love the days when John and I connect with fellow campers, it is always spontaneous and off our radar.
These are the days I know I was put on this earth, in this specific place, at this particular time, for a reason. The coincidences that unfold are uncanny and it reminds me of the simple human connection we all have for one another.
John and I met Lee and Patty today casually at the pool. Ty was lingering by the deep end and conversation began. Our boys are always the ideal ice breaker when meeting new people.
Patty began the conversation, she was friendly and open. A breath of fresh air to talk to. We shared stories about life, kids, grand kids, different lifestyles, and moving all over the country. She was happy, lively and we shared common life perspectives.
Lee was down to earth, with a sense of humor and a warm personality. He's a gifted musician and a talented teacher. He has toured worldwide as a professional musician.
I know most of this through a little research. I discovered he played on an album nominated for a Grammy. He also played the trumpet for Natalie Cole. (I thought this was a fun find.)
Sometimes it's not what people tell you about themselves,
it's what they don't say that's truly revealing.
Like gems on our earth, good people, with a fascinating history are hard to find.
My favorite story they shared with us was when Lee taught a new music program at an inner city high school in New Jersey. Lee and Patty, now know the impact they have had on their students' lives, twenty years later. All their previous students have reconnected with them on Facebook. They have reached out and told them, "If it wasn't for you, I would not have known a better life". Touching lives and changing lives is truly an extraordinary act.
These same students were also faced with prejudices, especially when they performed in all white suburbs, they experienced prejudices many adults turned a blind eye to. Patty and Lee were there for them as protectors and mentors.
No one wants to see what they believe to be untrue.
I learned something today, listening to what made Lee and Patty special. They are true to who they are, they have paved their own path and continue to do so. We all need our own path in life, it's what makes each of us unique and interesting.
The American dream is not about being rich with money, it's about having choices to live our lives how we choose to, seeking out a wealth of knowledge in the process.
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