brief brushes with fame

A writer and a teacher are both somewhat in the public eye!

The other day, I was with ASid in this lesser known food court and heard a loud "Mrs. Momley!". It was a joyous shout from a boy who was with a bunch of other boys. ASid quickly walked away as I approached the small smiling group. I was able to place them at the right school based on proximity to the food court and their ages. They were Grade 7 or 8, and they were from the school I dread! And they were delighted to see me!

I felt like a mini celebrity.

But I am not one really. Whenever we run into my dad's clients, they are almost always full of praise for my dad. I have only heard superlatives for him.

I have always wanted my dad to hear good things about me as well. It did happen a few months ago when he decided to help me with pickup. He parked his car on the street, close to one of the entrances to Hans' school. We were early and we just decided to sit and wait it out. Couple of parents stopped by and when they realized that my dad was the person beside me, they were kind enough to say really nice things about his daughter. That was my little insignificant "gift" to my dad for all the times he stands by me and supports me.

I want(ed) him to know I am worthy of the faith he places in me.

Recently, I had another sweet little moment.

Hans and I were walking in our neighbourhood and we saw a lady with a cute little dog. These days, my brain is continuously occupied with recruiting people and pets for the magazine I work for. So, I approached the lady to ask her about her pet. As soon as she heard the name of the magazine, she wanted to know if I had read the most recent feature?! I was like "I wrote that!". And Hans nodded affirmatively a couple of times. The lady looked at me and was surprised to find out I wrote the feature article that she enjoyed reading. Once she recovered, she was delighted and wanted to know more about me.

I guess in spite of my efforts to look like my most natural self in the picture submitted to the magazine, I am still unrecognizable.

Hans was also delighted for me. A few days ago, he wanted to know if I was "proud of myself" since I am writing and teaching now, and living my dream. I thought about it and told him that I am happy, but I am not sure about being proud.

I don't think I have done or accomplished even a 10th of what my dad has or even my brother (who is younger than me) has! I just started and my only hope is that I make my family proud someday.

Fame is fleeting!