Snapshots

I was going through the line at Zoë’s Kitchen in Baton Rouge today when I saw a familiar face. I did one of those double takes and then I thought there is no way that could be him. But it was, Patrick Dempsey, better know as McDreamy, on the popular TV series. Grey’s Anatomy. I went over to talk to him…he was in shorts, a t-shirt, and had a little stubble…he smiled, shook my hand, and said "thank you so much" when I complimented his show.

It was the way he said thank you that I have remembered. It was as though it was the first time anyone had said that to him in awhile. But we know that he must hear it everyday. And yet, he still made the effort to make me feel like it really meant something to him…who knows maybe it still does....even after hearing it hundreds of times...One thing I know, if only for a split second, one that I am sure he has already forgotten…this mega media star, in the middle of a crowded restaurant, was totally present...with me.

Being present with people is a wonderful thing that gets lost when we are too self focused, too in need of attention for ourselves, and when we are simply not in the moment with the person right in front of us.

I don't know anything about Mr Dempsey. I don't know about his personal life. Nothing. I only have a short mental snapshot of him...and its a pretty good one. Sometimes that's all you get...just one shot to make a difference..to walk away from someone having made their day better. It made me wonder what snap shots I've been leaving lately.

Thanks Mr Dempsey