A Man, A Plan
A man, a plan, a canal — Panama! I think of this palindrome a lot. And the first part of it applies, strangely.
Yesterday, on 60 Minutes, Andy Rooney did a little fluff piece of watches and timepieces. I didn’t really listen — I was waiting for the Amazing Race, which was very cool and amazing.
But I did hear the bit on how men don’t wear vests anymore, and they don’t carry pocket watches.
My mind flashed on something that was in my father’s drawer for years and years. I wondered, “well, it isn’t there… where is it? With my brother? Maybe?” Instinctively, I went to the same drawer in my dresser where my dad kept it. Not the same dresser, but the same upper right hand drawer.
And in the box of things that I ended up with was his “pocket watch.” Except it’s a U.S. Army/Air Corps issue compass, in stainless steel. I have a watch pocket in my jeans (most of my jeans have the five-pocket thing), so I slipped it in there.
After a minute or so, I realized that my dad was my compass. Despite the problems we had (which to elaborate on them now would be churlish and distracting), he was always there for us. Like N on this compass.
So in these days of feeling disconnected and a bit lost (see yesterday’s entry Derailed), casting around for inspiration and direction in my creative and professional life, I discovered something really amazing: my dad’s compass. He’s no longer here, but he gave me some pretty great stuff, including this aptitude I’m trying to develop, a good head on my shoulders and the ability to kick butt at puzzles. And this compass.
I think I’ll find a fob and chain, maybe carry it around as a reminder that I have been greatly blessed with all the inspiration, direction and creativity I need — just set a course and go after it. That part is easy.
I may not have a Plan, grand or otherwise, but I do have direction.