National Tell A Story Day

If my life were written in book form, mine would leap off the pages as one story would quickly unfold only to give way to another without breaking the repetitive cycle.  An old proverb states truth is stranger than fiction, and I can definitely attest to the integrity of the statement.  Some of my life stories are the stuff of legend among my closest friends, many of whom have known me in excess of fifteen and twenty years.  Some of the events have a very dark side to them, and weren't very funny in the midst of living through them.  But in hindsight, I have learned to laugh by re-telling the story for the amusement of all concerned.  Of course a little elaboration is in order, but who hasn't caught that four foot bass when it was really only four inches.  The fact is...you caught the fish.  Get my point?  The purpose of the day is to tell a story, but how can I when most of the stories are intricately intertwined?  However, one memory comes to mind.  Upon taking my very first management job at Gloria Jeans Gourmet Coffees in the Houston Galleria, I was super-excited about getting to work at such a prominent mall.  The actual time of year escapes me, maybe it was in early Spring, but in walks Don Henley of The Eagles.  Immediately I recognize him as the lead singer of the group.  He and I chat for a bit after serving him a gratis coffee-based drink.  As he heads out, he casually invites me to a party at one of the Westin Hotels located in the mall.  The invitation sounded almost as an afterthought.  Knowing I would be way under-dressed and smelling of coffee, I took up on the invitation only intending for a short stay.  The brief stay was not to be had as it turned in to a night of pure enjoyment at one of the best parties I can remember.  Heading home well after midnight, I recall the magic of the evening.  Many of the details are foggy, but the memory exists almost in a dream-like state.  Never forget the experiences in life that make us who we are.  At any moment, they could cause a slight glimmer in the eye or a lifting of the corner of the mouth for a smirk or smile.  It's what dreams and stories are made of that get us through to the next season of life.