I am often asked how I come up with riveting words each week. O.K., that’s a huge lie. No one asks me that, but I am going to answer the question anyway because I love to hear the sound of my own voice.
Most of the time, I have clear thoughts for the blog in the middle of the night. That is not a lie: when I wake up, albeit briefly, my brain starts to wander. During this quiet time, I sometimes begin to laugh at a long forgotten memory that germinates into a thought, then a story, then a blog. There you go. That’s the secret sauce. If you were paying attention, I said “most” of the time. Then there are times like right now: I was struck by a few things that have taken place in the last few hours, and few days, so here we go:
When I meet new people, I always want to learn all I can about their life story. I already know myself pretty well, so I strive to find common ground within the first few moments of the conversation. I am open. I am trusting, and I am able to coax almost anything out of anyone in a conversation. Don’t worry, you are not in danger of me spilling your secrets. I run my mouth because my legs can’t, but that doesn’t mean I share sensitive information here in the interweb thing for all the world to see, read and search in the future. Instead of middle of the night brain jolts, here are a few things that I have heard, in real life, when talking with people this week that have stuck in my brain. Your words influence my thoughts. Over the past week or so, I have had human interactions that flow like a rollercoaster. You can’t get this stuff from texting, emailing or social media. Make REAL connections…..
“Pat, come to Belize and I will teach you how to scuba dive.” (I’m down for this)
“Thank you so much for being part of my wedding day!” (No, THANK YOU for a perfect day and a safe ramp….order more cannolis)
“We are getting closer to installing the handicap door opener.” (That business has been saying that for almost a year. See HERE)
“I was in the Pentagon on September 11.” (I’ll just leave that there…..damn)
“I eat Milk Duds for dinner.” (Right on)
“This is serious, we don’t mess around up here in 5th grade.” (Yes, Maa’m)
“I work for Delta, and believe me, we want your money just as much as travelers who are not disabled.” (ok, let’s get me a jet….speaking of which…)
“I used to work for a company that refurbished private jets. We had Terry Bradshaw (NFL QB) as a customer. The company was in nowhere, Oklahoma so no one had a clue that all these famous people were flying in there.” (What is it like to be in the 1%???)
“I’m from Cambridge. Don’t tell me that you’re from Boston when you live in New Hampshire.” (Guilty as charged)
“I read your blog every week, I just don’t comment.” (AW! That warms my heart and makes my day)
“I’m recovering from my second eye surgery, so I can’t even see what you write.” (You’re not missing much)
“I’m reading a book about beating cancer, and I am going to do everything in my power to achieve a bright outcome.” (I love you both, and I have full faith and confidence in your resolve)
“The new washing machine is here, and we grew one apple this year, even though we have 4 trees.” (This sounds like a WWII code spoken over the radio to inform the soldiers of enemy positions…but it’s not.)
What have we learned today class? In one week I have attended a conference full of people who are trying to make air travel better for disabled travelers, I was invited to scuba dive, I have a new washing machine, went to a beautiful wedding, spoke with two very good friends who are battling health issues, pushed a company to do the right thing, connected with an old student who is now a financial planner, played soccer with my kids, built a toad habitat, built a Lego train, ate lobster ravioli, met with my son’s teachers, kissed my wife, learned that my neighbor runs a trivia group, worked, watched football, learned about ancient Egypt from my son, spoke with a Microsoft employee who is a wheelchair user and learned that the company makes all of her travel arrangements that involve handicap ground transport, flights, and accessible hotel rooms all over the country, (Furlong take note). One more: I snuggled with my kids….as often as possible.
Whew. A new washing machine AND an invitation to scuba dive all in one week. This is my life. I won’t stop moving until I stop moving. As I have said before….what’s important to me is TODAY and conversations that I have with others. All of YOU make me WHO I AM. You poor bastards.
Stay safe, stay awesome, and stay tuned.
Patrick moeschen 
Good advice as usual!!