Conversations, Characters and a Ride share - 5th

Dream to Reality

The last post was my tribute to dreamers, and this one is a story of one who couldn’t stop dreaming. One who realized a dream and then dreamt again and realized that to just dream again and kept the cycle going. I know I cant do full justice to his story, but still will share to my best effort.

I landed in Pittsburgh and had 2 hours before my 1st meeting. Somehow, I decided against waiting and heading direct to the meeting location. I am glad that I did, as I could meet my most interesting ride share driver.

He must have been in early 70's. Wearing a neatly ironed button-down shirt he greeted me with a smile and excellent mannerism. I stepped on the front seat and we started chatting. I usually don't come at airport he said but today was different. So what places you usually go to? I asked. See I am a full-time grandfather who part time does other things. Usually I take my 4 grandchildren to various classes and places and offer ride shares in between. That is interesting, I smiled. Yes, family is a beautiful thing. I came to know the value of family while living alone for many years. Aha that can be a story worth listening to, I thought. When and why were you alone. In my youth I worked for secret services. For many years I was posted in Europe, secret ops. So, I was not allowed to even befriend anyone. So, it was a lonely time. My awesome wife lived in Pennsylvania, I will visit her twice a year, 1 week each time. That is when I realized how important she was and how important family is. I could somewhat relate to what He said. But you were serving the nation keeping everyone safe and sacrificing family life for that is a proud thing. I tried to pep talk him. He grinned, you sound like someone from secret service days. Honestly, I see myself as the peace maker. There was Intel that we gathered and shared which could help avoid conflicts, so I sure am proud of it. Also no regrets on family front, I made up for lost family life and friendships after I moved from secret services to local police department. And then retired early. My older son is a doctor and younger works for federal government. And my wife is as beautiful and caring as she was 30 years ago. 

Great I am happy for you. Must be an amazing life working for secret services then police department and raising a wonderful family and finally retiring to become a full-time grandfather. Very exciting life if you look from my vantage point.

Yes, but being a full-time granddad is like a day job. Evenings are different. I knew that moment that the story had a new chapter. I am all ears I said. So, evenings, well two weekdays and both weekend days I play drums in my band. Yep have a band.  I wanted to learn some music ever since I was a kid. But never had chance, about 4 years ago I attempted to learn something. Actually; anything would have been okay with me. But my music teacher told me that I had good sense of rhythm and asked me to try drums. I was surprised at discovering that I had good sense of rhythm, he chuckled. So, now my drums are my 2nd love, of-course my wife stays on the top rank. We started our band. The lead guitarist is a 60-year-old neuro-surgeon youngest in the band. Our lead singer is my age and a retired professor, keyboard guy is an old grumpy soul who would never share what he does outside the band life. We don't dare ask too. I think either mafia or secret service, he broke into a laugh as he said. But good thing we play at the plaza and now we have started having some shows. We will be playing in the local fair next month. 

I am impressed I said, so is that all or something else? He laughed, no that is all, for now. May be one day we will sign a big Hollywood contract. I hope I retire as good as you, when I do. Don't just hope he said, Plan. We all plan our life, our jobs, promotions, weekends, vacations and everything. But when the age hits we just retire, without planning. I see that same as committing slow suicide. So, if you know what I mean, plan for retirement. And please don't plan the way your bank would say, how much money will you have and how your medical will be taken care of etc. Plan what will you do in your time. Plan how will you celebrate life and not having to go to an office every day. Plan what will you give to people around you. 

Yes sir, I hear you. I’ve seen someone else like you who lives a few thousand miles away and proudly I will add, he is my father. I wish two of you could meet one day and compare notes. I said while getting out of the car. Why not? he responded, bring him to Pittsburgh next month on 20th he will be my guest for the concert. 

I know I couldn’t keep my promise and see your concert, but I also know one day I will be able to do that. You with your band and your thinking will not be difficult to find, next I visit Pittsburgh Sir. But before signing off I will sincerely thank you for your valuable advise and request all my friends and family reading this go through the retirement plan paragraph again and make a commitment to your selves. We all can be comparing notes a few decades away to see who planned it well.