Part of a Greater Group

Yesterday, I had opportunity, attending with my dad, the 'Taking Control of Your Diabetes" conference; Me, being diagnosed as heading toward type 2 (failing the glucose tolerance test), he being foisted into diabetes with the extraction of his colon in near fatal  and unsuccessful attempt of the Whipple procedure.  We each gleaned much, but for me, one moment stands out worthy of blogging.

While preparing leave from the conference, we entered the room of 'relief' prior to making our way back to dad's car for the drive home.  While there, my dad saw Bobby Deen (chef and son of Paula Deen he now a champion for diabetic cooking) while washing our hands.  My dad acknowledged his presence saying "Mr. Deen."  His instant response?  "That would be my dad."  A brief exchange ensued between my dad an he about his enjoyment of Bobby's show along with my father's appreciation for his work.  Bobby's response spoke to his amazement at the work of the television industry to make everything look good.  The whole encounter was genuinely filled with an earthiness, as if two humans, rooted in the same soil speak of the intersection, their lives crossing as they move through their own with an sincere, respectful interchange speaking volumes into this heart.

What is it about our family and celebrity encounters in the restroom?  Maybe for another blog, but suffice it saying that my son, my dad, and I have met and relieved ourselves, meeting celebrities in this common haven.  Most importantly, however, is that we have been taught and learned from our parents the genuine understanding that everyone is human, and, when treated as such, there is genuine, earthy reality as we cross paths, with commoners or celebrities; Bobby Deen clearly demonstrating a gracious,, humble heart toward an genuinely admiring 'fan'.

 I have come to realize that every man puts on his pants in similar fashion, and requires the use of 'the facilities' so to speak.  Yes, indeed, EVERY man also is worthy of respect, from the janitor to the celebrity, for without them, our world, our daily lives would be encumbered and overwhelmed with the need to do everything ourselves, including entertaining.   Even more so, my heart was warmed by a son, Bobby Dean becoming a champion for his mother, Paula, who now has entered the battle of diabetes.  As I think about it, Bobby is demonstrating the effective use of  a gift given and invested into his heart by his mom.    In one brief encounter, I was given joyful observation of two men I admire addressing life with honesty and humility.  It was the type of moment that could not be orchestrated and certainly was based in the daily part of life.  It is the kind of encounter that clearly speaks to the fact of living, being part of a greater group, the one we call human.