The Jewish Girl and the Catholic Priest

sang show tunes on the Plane

Two weeks ago I was on the airplane heading home from an emotional 2 day visit with my ailing dad in Denver.

I got on the plane feeling a bit mentally weary but armed with a lifetimes worth of new stories. I was looking forward to going home — writing and finishing my memoir.

I kicked off my shoes and slipped on my favorite slippers. (Yes, I brought my own slippers to wear on the plane! Hey why not?)

I closed my eyes and took a well needed deep breath.

Ahhhhh.

I was feeling relief.

Relieved to have gone on this trip because I got new clarity about my dad after 50 years, but also glad to be goin hooooome! There’s no place like home.

I was in the aisle seat. Abruptly, I was nudged by a young thin guy dressed in all black from head to toe. He was juggling a briefcase and a Bible.

“Excuse me. I think I’m sitting next to you!”

I stood up. He scooched in to his seat. I liked his happy approachable face.

Ohhhh here comes my next story, I thought.

“So, how are you doing today? Heading to Knoxville…? He had a kind smile. I felt glad I’d be sitting next to him on this flight.

“I’m real good thanks. I live close to Knoxville. I just got done visiting my ailing dad in Denver. I have a lot to write about now…”

He glanced at my open journal and my pen that I was now balancing in my mouth.

“Hey, I’d looove to interview you for a story.”

“Sure! That sounds fun!” He seemed eager to begin. “It looks like you write a lot.” I guess he noticed my feverish scrawls in my journal.

“Yes. I love writing. I write daily essays and I’m working on finishing a memoir of my life in show biz.”

“Ohhhh that’s great! I’m so sorry about your dad though — That’s hard, but it’s great that you write so much. I write every day too in the Seminary.”

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