2009-08-11

Pre-You

"Pre-You" is one of my favorite Jimmy Buffett songs.  Can't find a version on line, but there's a line in it: 

Another page in history / Steppin' stone for you and me / Pre-you

I thought of this a month ago when Gwen wrote THIS story about a second chance airline encounter that she fumbled.  I thought she was telling a story from my own life.  And then I was over at Angela's Archives the other day, and I was reminded of the story again.

[And yes, I've cleared the story with Cora, thanks for askin']

It was about 3.5 years ago now, and a dear old friend of mine of 15 years (often referred to here as MFF) had just moved back home as part of her separation from her soon to be ex husband.  I was flying down Birmingham to see her.  Was this going to be the start or "our time"?    That's what I was thinking when I stepped aboard that Southwest flight.

A Little Tail On The AirplaneSitting next to me was a vision.  A perfect southern belle.  Mid 40's.  Well dressed.  She looked a lot like the afore mentioned Angela.  We talked, and laughed and had a great time on the flight.  She was a divorced single mother heading home from a college scouting exhibition for her son.  But, I was on my way to meet MFF.  It wouldn't be right to ask her for her number.  So, after a long, dramatic  pause, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

I related the story to MFF.  She asked why I didn't ask the woman for her number.  Okay, so maybe this wasn't going to be the start of a new phase in our relationship after all.

The next day, we were out shopping in a nice new outdoor mall near here place.  It was a beautiful Alabama spring day, and we were in the little pet boutique, looking at things for her tea-cup Yorkie.  And with a jingle jangle of the bells above the door, who walked in, but the woman from the plane.  Despite MFF's prodding, I once again chickened out, and didn't ask for her number.

And MFF still griefs me for it.

But I don't regret it at all.  I learned a valuable lesson about not chickening out, and asking a woman for her phone number when the moment was right.  And, it was just another stepping stone on the path to where I am today.  :-)  So how could I regret it?

12 comments:

Sass said...

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

It's frightening sometimes to think where life COULD have taken us, had we made different decisions.

;)

Scope said...

I know. And I wouldn't want to change a single thing that lead me to where I am today. I cannot imagine I would be this happy with anybody but Cora. (And I pray never to have to find out.)

Cora said...

Awwww, you're such a sweetie. Have I told you that lately?

:-)

But, seriously, she looked like Angela and you didn't go for it?! ANGELA, THE PRETTIEST WOMAN IN ALL OF BLOGDOM?!?! *shaking my head in disbelief*

Not that I'm complaining!!!!!!!

;-)

Sassy Britches said...

I hear you on everything happens for a reason. I've NOT passed up those fortuitous moments of getting and/or giving phone numbers, and it's gotten me where I am today. So, either decision is probably "for the best."

Gwen said...

I agree - if we were supposed to have jumped on those opportunities we would have.

Bev said...

I agree with Sass, et al. "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

Nice story, Scope.

Angela said...

Awww...I'm honoured to be compared to this beautiful mystery lady from your past. *blush*

Ellie Mae said...

Nice story! I agree that things work out like they are supposed to. Glad to see you are happy with Cora! Like I said YEARS ago, "Why hasn't someone snatched you up yet?!"

SkylersDad said...

As others have said, everything happens for a reason. But some of my poor choices have only happened to me just to see how much grief and pain I can stand. And that ain't right.

J.J. in L.A. said...

You silly man...just imagine the fun you could've had in the meantime. Kidding!!! lol!

Scope said...

I had a little fun in the meantime.

;-)

ShanaM said...

Funny how everything we do leads us to the moment we are in now, and with but one change, everything could be different.