The Realm of Influence

If you stop and look back at your life, invariably, you will remember someone who had a significant impact on you: the moldmaking, the shaping of your very being. For me, there have been many, and I am eternally grateful to each of them.

I fondly recall my 5th Grade teacher at Bells Ferry Elementary School in Marietta, GA. Her name was Mrs. Gurr. She was such an encouragement. She would always say how proud she was of the work I did and believed in me and knew that one day, I would be successful.

Later in my years, I remember one professor in particular at the local community college. He was my Honor's English professor and his name was Dr. Cross. Never in my life have I met an individual with such a resounding command of the English language. To hear him lecture was a highlight of my day. You could close your eyes and the pictures he painted on the canvas of your mind were astonishing.

Tonight, I had the pleasure of hearing him speak for the first time since I had him as an instructor. I however, was not alone. As I crested the hill just before the theater, I could already see the line. The line of people stretched a whole block over to the interection of the local bank and the courthouse across the street. I was somewhat stunned at the number of people, but not really. I wasn't in complete disbelief because I knew we were anxious to hear one of the greatest speakers and writers in the South tell us fascinating tales of his adventures.

Indeed tonight's performance did not disappoint the packed theater. For 60 minutes we were treated to some of the best speaking and humor I have ever heard. This, in spite of the lackluster sound system at the theater.

During the performance, I did close my eyes as he spoke and relived, for a moment, those days of years ago when I was but a young man sitting at the brown wooden table, in my creaky chair as Dr. Cross led us through another Wednesday afternoon of English Literature.

At this time I would like to thank April, whom I met tonight, for hooking me up with a $5 student ticket. It was nice meeting you and thanks for sitting next to me. LOL It was crazy, I'm flanked by this cutie on my right, and on my left was a big sweaty, and he was stinking like a bag of 8-day old (insert favorite spoiled food here). That was not so lovely right there.

So now, I get home, and a friend of mine who I haven't talked to in a little while, IMs me and says she dreamt about me last night. Killer. She said I had a big moustache and we were at a dog show together... or doing a dog show or something. Gotta love the crazy dreams!