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I had to start the week sharing with you an incredible thing that happened to me last Thursday evening.
I was scheduled to speak about my book at a wonderful place called, The Sophia Institute in Charleston, SC. I was in the middle of driving down from Atlanta when my cell phone rang. It was Carolyn Rivers, the incredible woman who created and runs Sophia.
Carolyn wanted to make sure I was all set and on my way down. Also, she shared an intriguing phone call she had received.
"A man called here today saying that he very much wants to come to your talk, but he has a scheduling conflict. He's very anxious to meet you because he says he has pictures of your father."
"My father?" I wondered. "Who could my Dad had known in Charleston?"
Of course, I couldn't check with my Dad, because as visitors of this website know, he passed away in September. So, I did the next best thing--called my Mom in Los Angeles.
"Who did Dad know in Charleston?" I asked.
She couldn't think of a soul. Her best guess was that perhaps it was someone he served with in the navy.
Fade in. Fade out. I made it to Chareleston. I gave my talk, signed a bunch of books, and wrapped up the event. As the last people were walking out, Carolyn remarked, "That man with the photos never showed up."
Oh well, I wrote it off as an ongoing mystery and thought perhaps he would show up another time and leave the photos at the Sophia Institute.
Carolyn, her husband, Henk, and I got in the car to go to dinner. As we were rolling down the driveway, we see this tall, lanky man well into his 70's chasing us down. "Stop the car! Where's Daryn???" he was yelling.
You got it. Turns out they mystery man found me.
His name is Jack Guedalia. He's a judge in Charleston, and yes, my mom's guess was right. He did serve with my Dad in the navy.
The photos? They are true treasures. They show my Dad, Stu, and Jack in their navy uniforms standing in Japan 54 years ago. Judge Jack went to the time and trouble to have them copied and blown up to 5x7.
Here's my Dad.
Here he is with Jack.
My family has nothing like this. What a wonderful gift to receive 6 months after we said goodbye to Stu. He looks so handsome, so full of life.
Also, what a wonderful reminder of how our journeys take us to such surprising places. I had thought I was going to Charleston to give, as in give a talk.
Turns out, my trip was more about receiving a wonderful gift I could've never imagined as I set out on my journey.
Here's hoping this week brings you a joyful surprise you could've never imagined, as well.
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