Different Slants

Comment by Don Larson

October 31, 2009 @ 10:04 pm

Okay, you envisioned a new creative approach to sell — the discount. Or perhaps it’s the big signs. Or, who you spoke to alone in the store let you know you were heard.

I’m still not sure you realize how many people would have given up years before. You don’t give up. When are you going to be on Oprah’s Show to talk about not giving up? You must know someone who could make the proper introductions to her or her research staff? Maybe you should send her a poster?

When you get on that show, tell her about the new store. Tell her it’s the encapsulation of your perseverance to not be beaten down.

Don

Comment by Bob Katzman

November 1, 2009 @ 8:23 am

Don,
I can’t read the 3rd part without dissolving in tears. There is something about surprising rescues coming at the last minute than severs me from my moorings. In my heart, I wish I didn’t need “rescuing”. I’d rather be the rescuer.

I know it will take some force from the outside to change my fortunes. Some catalyst that makes my experience and determination translate into success. I wish that were not so, but it would be worse if I didn’t recognize it.

When you read part 4, I suspect I will not be the only person experiencing tears. There are some amazing people out there, Don. They just seem to materialize when life becomes overwhelming. The man who commented below is one of them. 67 years old, a retired history teacher and a world traveler. When things were falling apart for me, one day he just appeared. Gives me chills, man.

Bob

Comment by Paul Eisenbacher

November 1, 2009 @ 8:26 am

Bob
I have been traveling on and off the past month, so please forgive me for being out of contact. Sometimes are lives become to myopic.

I just read the first three parts of Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah and I feel sorry that I couldn’t do more to help you. What you did to remove all those boxes was remarkable and shows your great tenacity and attitude of just never giving up.

I also wish I knew about the difficulties surrounding Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah. I would have helped, in some small way, to see your lovely daughter enter adulthood. I worked with her, for a few days, what a nice young lady. You both should be proud.

I look forward to hearing more about Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah with great anticipation.

Stay well, Paul

Comment by Bob

November 1, 2009 @ 8:37 am

Paul,
You’re in the story coming up, but don’t be so surprised. However, now you won’t be anonymous, I guess. As far as “helping more”? You did more than any single individual, of any age.

The store is gone, but our relationship…and my respect for you, remain intact.

I am aware that aspects of what I am writing seem to be like soap-opera, but it’s so totally true, and not contrived to wring emotion from people. I do hope people who read what I’ve published, and have yet to publish, in both this and my other stories, realize that.

As fiction, it’s “so what?”

As truth, it still amazes me.

Thanks for who you are in my life, Paul. You mattered when it was essential.

Bob

Comment by Gela Altman

November 1, 2009 @ 11:59 am

Bob,
I agree with Don Larson, I don’t quite know how you keep going. However, I also agree with you when you say that you were put on this earth to accomplish a mission, to complete a goal. Well, you are not there yet. You must have a long way to go. At least I hope so.
When did you say that the next part of this story will be posted? Never mind, I’ll just wait!
Gela

Comment by Bob Katzman

November 1, 2009 @ 12:09 pm

Gela,
November 15th, a Sunday.

Maybe I was put on the wrong planet. On Mars, for example, there’d be waaaay less competition.

As of today, I am out of work for 60 days. That’s the longest time for me since 1986. Time moves so slowly when your options are limited.

Bob

Comment by Chrisitne Skolnik

January 10, 2010 @ 8:42 am

Donna is a gem. I loved her at my “quaint” Bar Mitzvah. She was so kind and helpful. Thank you for immortalizing her along with the image of the girls dancing and singing. The music is in us . . .