Meeting Adam Montgomery changed my life. I was covering the school board meeting for the newspaper when Matt Marshall introduced us.
"Helen, I'd like you to meet someone," he said, directing me to the back of the auditorium. An attractive man standing near the refreshment table was watching me, and as we approached, he set his coffee mug down.
"Adam Montgomery," he said, extending his hand. "So this is the famous Helen Pratt. I read that humorous piece you wrote on the school lunch program. Very clever. Did it get results?" he asked, still holding my hand.
"Eventually," I said. His eyes were taking me in, his smile warm and sincere. "Do you have an interest in the school board meetings?" I asked. "Do you have children?" I said, as I slipped my hand from his.
"One daughter, and she'll be graduating from high school this spring," he said. "And you?"
"I graduated a long time ago," I said, laughing.
"What I meant was, do you have any children?" Adam asked, smiling.
"Not only does she not have any children, she doesn't have a husband," Matt said. "Helen is married to the Charles County Record, Adam. She's the best reporter they've got. And I should know, being an English teacher."
"Since your daughter's about to graduate, I find it curious you're here for this meeting about the proposed bus routes for next year," I said, filling a Styrofoam cup with coffee.
"Actually, I have no interest whatsoever in bus routes," Adam answered. "I just needed a diversion tonight. I work out of my home, and my daughter is visiting a friend, and I felt I needed a little interaction with some other people."
"Adam's an architect," Matt explained. "He's designed some of the biggest and showiest buildings in town. You should do an article on him for the paper."
"Maybe I will," I said, sipping my coffee. "How does that sound to you, Adam?" I asked.
"It would be one way of being sure I'd see you again," he said.
My life, which was already pretty good at that point, would become supremely blessed in a most unimaginable way. I'm still awed by the significance of that chance meeting with Adam that evening.
Gratitude Journal
Tuesday:
Five things I am grateful for today:
1.) my raise (better than nothing)
2.) my health
3.) Mayberry reruns
4.) tomato soup
5.) school board meetings
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