Remember that song what a man? I always joke that my husband is a what a man, but truly he is, I am blessed. Well yesterday I met another what a man. As you noted if you read yesterday's blog I was very excited about Dave Hingsburger presenting in Butler. The conference finished today, and today was equally amazing resulting in a standing o. Anyway, when Dave pulled up yesterday he had Joe, his partner with him. The minute Joe got of the car, I found him to be very warm, one of those people others are just drawn to. He was also handsome, full of grace,humor and patience. Unfortunately, he had to be very patient with me both days, because as his warmth made me comfortable, I found it too easy to blather on at him and in my excitement both days I repeatedly made a jackass out of myself. I'm OK with that though, because you can't be jackass if you don't put yourself out there, and the truth is most people won't remember by next week that you embarrassed yourself. Anyway, Joe was patient, kind, warm, funny and so many other things.
I noticed as Dave was presenting that Joe was watching the whole time. He wasn't just watching, but actively participating, laughing and remaining truly engaged. Now of course it's not shocking that someone should be engaged and entertained when Dave speaks, but Joe has heard all these stories many times. Each time though, he responded as if hearing it for the first time and delighted in it. Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but I can only hear my husband's stories so many times before I'm ready for some new ones. But not Joe, he was as passionate about what he heard as those of us experiencing it for the first time! So not only was I struck by Joe as a person, but by the relationship of two people. Joe and Dave work together, live together, drive all over God's creation together, but they are not sick of each other. How many people can say that? I speculate not a lot. They share a respectful, lovely relationship based on care and built on each person's individual skill, talents, likes etc...
We don't always get born into a family that lifts us up and celebrates who we are or who we will become, but when we watch for it, we find other people who get placed in our lives to do just that. They become real family. I am so glad I have my own what a man in James, for these are things we share, and I'm so glad I met another what a man in Joe. I hope that the rest of you can enjoy such beautiful relationships.
p.s. I did ask Joe if it was OK for me to reference him, I apologize that in my sleepy excited state yesterday I spelled Dave's name wrong!
6 comments:
Hi FAB I just clicked over from Dave's page to read your lovely description of he and Joe. I hope I can get a chance to see Dave speak some day.
Me too Lisa b. You'll never hear anyone else like him, and when he's done, you won't be able to stop yourself from DOING SOMETHING!
Hi fab, I too attended Dave's conference in Butler. I will say I am a changed person today because of him. I cried half the way home. Then my mind started firing all these ideas. I read you work as a consultant and teacher to individuals with developmental disabilities. First of all Bless You; second, can you share some of your traning and advice for someone who would love to be doing the same as you. I really mean I am a changed person...
I just wanted to say "hi". I have a "what a man" too. I feel really fortunate!
Tonya, if you shoot me an e-mail with specific's I'll try to be helpful. If you go to the profile page there is an e-mail link.
Thanks for your comments-it's hard not feel changed in some way huh?
And Jodi- you are fortunate, and so is he- cherish it!
Joe's my mom's brother...so I know how he is. You've seen a teeny bit and I can assure you he only gets better.
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