The first few posts of this week stemmed from visual ideas others gave me. Today, I'm thinking of a gift of words.
Almost 40 years ago*, when I was studying at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, I met Steve Popkes. Steve's folks, Earl and Opal, also lived in Columbia, so I had the pleasure of getting to know the whole family.
Opal was fascinating -- a writer and good-hearted woman with boundless talent and curiosity. We got along pretty well. On the other hand, I was never totally sure where I stood with Earl. He was hard for me to read.
One day, though, he said something to me that has helped -- repeatedly -- over the years. I can't remember what situation I was struggling with, but I know it had ended badly. Earl listened quietly and then kindly said, "Jan, any landing you walk away from is a good landing."
Now, coming from most people, that might have been a dismissive cliché. But Earl Popkes was a pilot in WWII -- a Naval aviator who flew seaplanes. He knew a thing or two about landings.
"Any landing you walk away from is a good landing" has helped me handle a lot of moments, a lot of endings. A lot of landings. Maybe it will resonate with you -- or, maybe you had to hear it from Earl.
Point is, we never know when words will make a huge impact on someone. I always hope my words help.
*Is it really almost 40 years ago? Aieeee. How is that possible?
No comments:
Post a Comment