Tuvia

My friend told me about a scholar she worked with earlier this year named Tuvia. Friend recently had lunch with him, an older gentleman, and he's the type of person with whom you immediately feel comfortable. Trustworthy. Makes you want to spill your guts, ask for advice. You know the type. He's happy, comfortable, wise, and a good listener.

So he tells this story about a young man and a young woman who notice each other on the bus one day. They sit across from each other, making frequent eye contact. Both want to speak, but are afraid. They hesitate, and eventually part without talking. Both regret their loss. He told it as a fairly sad story, I imagine, but followed up with poignant statements about there being no reason to stop yourself from doing or saying things you feel you should, especially when it's simply fear that's holding you back. Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Say what you mean. Do what you feel. Be who you want to be.

I think we need to hear these things from time to time. I get caught up in day-to-day requirements and sometimes lose track of my larger life priorities. I like to hear these things from these people I admire, and I'm so glad my friend shared it with me.

At the end of lunch he turned to her and said, "Don't be that young woman on the bus."

*sigh*