Pam

Growing up the son of a magician took me to unusual places. Magicians do this funny thing where they assemble at a hotel to share, sell, and perform magic. I was young when I attended a convention that had a special guest - Johnny Thompson.

Johnny was the Godfather of Magic. The Wizard of Warsaw. He was The Great Tomsoni, which was part of a hilarious and long running comedy duo. He won every award, studied with the greats in the generation before him. He was the great that the generations after him wanted to study with. To say he was revered would undersell Johnny.

He was larger than life, both physically and in presence. Everyone at the convention wanted time with Johnny. I was young, shy, and introverted. I tried to get a moment with him, sneak a photo or autograph. I was patient, but others were not. I was so close, but I couldn’t muster the courage to force my way into his zone of attention.

Defeated, I sat down behind where he was. I offered a smile to the woman on the couch and then noticed her purse moving. She saw my interest perk up, and she showed me two chihuahuas she had hidden in her bag. She was very kind. We chatted about the dogs, the shows, and then she mentioned she saw me being very patient to see that old guy. She was far too nice as I tried to explain to her who he was. She asked if I was still interested in talking to him. Absolutely I was.

"John… John come here."

"Yes, Dear?"

"John, this young man would like to talk to you."

I'd been chatting with Pam Thompson, or as she referred to herself, "& Company." As in Tomsoni & Co. They were generous with their time. I spoke to them both many times over the years. I will forever be grateful for this small act of kindness.

Sometimes we just need to be brave. Other times, we need to be brave for someone else. Should I strike up a conversation to see where it leads? Can I take a deep breath and do things that feel more difficult than they are? Will I be the helping hand to support those in need?

Be curious, be kind, be whole, do good things.