Hershy's Story

Readers of Prose'n'Poems will recognse Jim Brennan, our regular contributor to Thought Of the Day and inspiring prose pieces. When I announced my plans for US trip he was the first person to write offering to meet me at San Francisco driving down over 100 miles from his home near Sacramento. 

Since my next scheduled California tour stop was the City of Davis, where I was to visit my nephew's son, Jim & I decided to meet there as it is closer to Sacramento. He knocked on the dot at 4 (his Air Force training)? I opened the door to see this handsome and smartly dressed gentleman. His hands were loaded with gifts - a bottle of red wine and a gift wrapped packet for me and a box of delicious chocolates for my nephew and his family. He appreciated the silk ties and CDs of Indian music (about which he wrote later) I had brought down for him.

His smile and voice would make an impression on anyone and I was not an exception. We went to a restaurant and although we were meeting for the first time, we sat down talking like we had known each other since years. Over many cups of coffee we talked about our lives, the two countries and cultures, PnP and its members - the list can go on. Jim gives motivational seminars to groups of people and he talked of his experiences with different people. His talk was peppered with a lot of 'sayings' and I HAD to write down one from his grandfather: 
"As you are now, I once was
And as I am now, you will be."

So engrossed were we, that we did not realize it was over 3 hours since we had met. Jim had to meet someone for dinner and I had to join my nephew and his family for a movie so we said good byes after taking pictures of this 'historical' meeting. 

Upon reaching home I opened the gift and it was a beautiful brass compass with a note which I would like to share with you. 

Keeping on Course (25 Dec 2001)

My most successful friends often keep a symbol, a map, a photograph or poster of their most important goals nearby. They use it as a reminder and a guide to keep them stay "on-course."

When they begin to drift or get lost, they reassess and quickly get back on track.

Hershy, please keep this compass where it can often remind you of your dreams, goals, and your daring desires. Stay "on-course" Hershy. So many of your loyal subscribers depend on it!

I wish boundless health, happiness and prosperity for you and yours.

Blessings,
Jim Brennan.

This lovely compass is on my desk now to help me keep "on-course" and will be a treasured gift like the meeting with Jim was. 

Jim, thank you ever so much for making that meeting possible. 

~ Hershy

Christmas 2001 Came Early to California!

Here Comes the Hershy Express

For me, the Christmas holiday 2001 season in Northern California began without fanfare. That abruptly changed when I was notified that the Supreme Allied Commander of internet information, comedy, poetry, happiness and the spirit of love was headed my way! In an all-too-brief tour through parts of the USA, he was scheduled to travel through Northern California and cities relatively close to me just prior to Christmas Day! 

Through e-mail and telephone calls we arranged a rendezvous. On Sunday, December 23, 2001, I had the honor and pleasure of sharing a few precious hours with our Supreme Allied Commander -- Hershy! We had much to talk about. Previously connected only through internet exchanges, we were now face-to-smiling face and exchanging experiences and ideas in real time! I met a warm and sage man who generously shared many of his personal and professional experiences with me. Christmas had indeed arrived early and in fine fashion! Although it is unlikely I'll have the opportunity to personally meet most of the people who read these words, I had the grand opportunity to meet the man who connects us all -- our Hershy! 

As a "Christmas Bonus" I also had the honor of meeting several warm and friendly members of his extended family who accompanied him on the whirlwind Hershy Express Tour. 

To everyone who reads these words I offer one of my favorite sayings: "A memory is a photograph taken by the heart to make a special moment last forever." I often smile as I remember moments of December 23, 2001 -- a very special time with a very special friend. God bless you and your loved ones Hershy. Thank you for the personal gifts you gave me at our meeting. I treasure them. And, on behalf of so many others, may I say "thank you" for the gifts of love you regularly send throughout the world to all your subscribers. No one will ever know just how many lives you touch during every hour of every day -- but your work and the work of your devoted and wonderful team is very important and deeply appreciated.

With love and respect,
Jim Brennan 

~ Jim

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