The Gift of Presence (Or: How I Met Megan)
I’ve long forgotten the meal — the fruit and nuts of it, anyway. I know I savored every bite, and even cleaned my plate. It was that good.
But the company? It was even better.
Megan and I jostled through the serving line of Tim’s buffet at Laity Lodge together. We didn’t plan it that way. We just sort of wound up there at the same time. We’d seen each other around — online, and now off line, but for some reason our paths had not yet intersected.
She would change all that.
We reached the door to the dining room at about the same time, and Megan yielded. Being from South Dakota, I yielded back. That’s what we do at uncontrolled intersections — we keep waving the other on until someone gives in.
But she’s from Texas. She won’t play the perpetual yield game. She looked up at me and said, “Go sit down.” She can be matter-of-fact like that. “I don’t know you yet, so I’m going to sit with you today.”
And that was that.
I don’t know if I’ve ever loved anyone so quickly in all my life.
That may not have been the day that Tim served pho. But I remember it as the best meal I had all weekend.
Megan brings to every encounter the gift of her presence. Her attention. Her questions. Her careful listening. Her tender heart.
::
I may be in big trouble before the day is through. (I’ll take a couple of friends down with me.) But I’m a big believer that forgiveness is easier to ask than permission. So, Megan, forgive me for this. But word on the street is it’s your birthday this weekend.
Permit the rest of us to celebrate a bit over you.
(Find my friend Megan – writer, tea drinker, failed liturgical dancer – at MeganWillome.com.)
Going down with you. I first saw Megan on the dock, her face reflecting the beauty of that place. We shared words together in our poet’s circle, and she has been a quiet presence in my present grief. Her tender and sweet notes lift my spirits. And she even gifted me with a poem. I believe this would be a perfect day to repost it. Stand by.
Love you, Megan. Happy birthday!
2012/01/27 at 9:30 AM
Pingback: Time Out to Celebrate Megan « Sandra Heska King
Loving this story of a friendship’s birth…or toddler years, maybe. At any rate, it’s lovely.
May I crash this party to join the chorus wishing Megan a happy, blessed birthday?
2012/01/27 at 10:03 AM
Perfect. In every way.
I joined the party, by the way. Megan helped me see something very beautiful at a very tender moment at Laity last fall. And I’ll never forget it.
2012/01/27 at 10:06 AM
Such a beautiful birthday gift, for an even more beautiful person. I’ll join in the party here. I don’t remember the specifics of the first hellos, but this I remember: She liked my poem inspired by Julia. And that’s saying a lot.
Untitled
“As long as it’s mine
I don’t much mind
the sweetness of
a poot
as it
pfffttttssss.”
Know what else I remember about Megan? Such confidence and grace, and absolute beauty.
2012/01/27 at 10:14 AM
Love the way you are all blessing Megan with your words today. She is the one with the birthday but your generosity touches me deeply too. Happy Birthday Megan.
2012/01/27 at 10:37 AM
Hooray! I’m officially Lyla’s partner-in-crime. or partner in blessing. Or something. On the road with limited internet this weekend, but want to add my sweet memory of meeting Megan–watching the sunrise over the Rio on the deck of Laity Lodge. Such a lovely memory of meeting someone with such a tender heart. Love you, girl! Party hardy this weekend!
2012/01/27 at 10:51 AM
When it comes to gifts, the best of presents is presence.
2012/01/27 at 11:00 AM
You have to love a Texan that tells you “to sit down.” Don’t mess with Texas. Always good to know that they aren’t kiddin’.
2012/01/27 at 11:09 AM
I’ve never met Megan face-to-face, but we’ve talked on the phone and I – like you – loved her right from the start. She is a beauty and a wonder.
2012/01/27 at 1:37 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEGAN!!!!
When Lyla says frog, I don’t just jump, I ask how high. As a parent, what goes around, usually comes around.
There must have been an over abundance of “glue ten” in the food at the Laity Lodge last fall. The bonding that has been apparent out there in the blogging etherland since then has no other rational or scientific explanation. Unless, perhaps Holy Spirit is transliterated ‘Elmers” in the Aramaic.
Paul W
Megan, as an aside, whenever I see your last name, I’m always reminded of the heroine of the Sue Grafton alphabet detective novels, Kinsey Milhone (A is for…etc). Meaningless non-trivia not to be retained.
2012/01/27 at 3:56 PM
Thank you, Lyla’s Dad! I’ve never read any of the Sue Grafton novels, but now I guess I’ll have to. You produced quite a gal!
2012/01/27 at 4:40 PM
Lyla, can you bring Dad to LL this fall?
2012/01/27 at 6:22 PM
I am sitting here in Bagles and Joe with Deidra just crying over this. It’s so beautiful, Lyla. And Megan, happy birthday, dearest girl. You have been a light for me these days.
2012/01/27 at 4:00 PM
Oh, Lyla. More tears. You make me look so good. And you were one of the best surprises of Laity for me.
And all of you, you are so precious to me. Thank you so much for sending birthday love. I sort of skipped my 40th last year (too soon after my mom’s death). But I guess this year I’m supposed to celebrate.
2012/01/27 at 4:09 PM
It’s just life, friend. It’s always worth celebrating. Love to you!
2012/01/27 at 4:33 PM
You guess????
2012/01/27 at 5:38 PM
Ly, you have to know your writing is stunning. I am THERE, watching both of you, seeing your shy, awkward smile and her matter-of-factly directing you to the table. I think I will just ask you to write me a letter about Laity. It should take me right back. I bet we could even get you published at THC or at Laity. (She says, talking big and talking you into this…)
You PERFECTLY captured Megan. Perfectly.
So much love.
2012/01/27 at 4:28 PM
I like this idea! And while we’re at it–I remember the first time I saw Kelly. And it was grand.
2012/01/27 at 6:24 PM
I’ve not met Megan either online of off but after this, I’d like to.
2012/01/27 at 6:03 PM
How amazing, our first memories… so I have to chime in with mine. Megan, you dear… when I first met you in the meeting hall, you were so sweet to me that I thought you were adorable. Then, I found you in my poetry group and I thought, well…, maybe your poetry would be sweet and adorable too. But, when I heard you read your soul on paper… I knew you were someone to be loved and listened to. Sweet, yes. Adorable, yes. But what impacted me most was the power of your honest words. Thank you so much for welcoming me to your table that last day. I was overwhelmed by the whole weekend and you made me feel so comfortable. Birthday love to you!
2012/01/27 at 6:17 PM
I’m bringing the balloons…and cake, maybe? Do Texans eat cake?
Megan…you are a very special lady. Knew it from the start. Meeting you face-to-face, walking with you…one of my best gifts in 2011. Celebrating with you! Love you, girlie.
2012/01/27 at 9:19 PM
Once Lyla has said it, there really isn’t much else that can be said. She has a definite way with words and with keen perception.
Happy Birthday Megan. It was a joy to spend time with you and a joy to read your very excellent writing. It is a true reflection of your heart.
I am sorry to be late to the party. It never fails. The one day I let the lap top sit quietly in its little corner all the good stuff happens.
2012/01/27 at 9:45 PM
God brings us new friends just when we need them, (or they need us) and His reasons are beyond explaination. Happy Birthday Megan!
2012/01/28 at 11:42 PM