On Monday of this week I had one of the weirdest experiences ever. I met with a contact to research an upcoming client program. The company is a retail enterprise, so I wanted to establish my strong background in this market.

My contact was about my age, maybe a few years older. One of my first statements mentioned that I had extensive retail background and that, in fact, my dad had worked for a local retail chain, mentioning it by name. I have no reason to explain why I said this, other than a little voice in my head prompted me to.

My contact asked me to tell him my name again, and then asked what my father’s first name was. He sat back as if hit by a Mack truck. Then he said ” I don’t believe it.”. Then, he shook his head, and said it again.

Turns out he worked for, and with my dad, for a number of years. We spent the next half-hour reminiscing about his years with this firm and his many memories of my dad. You see, my father was one of his favorite people, his mentor, to use his words.

I listened intently, hearing the affection, the love and the respect my conversation partner had for my father, and he repeatedly stated the impact dad had had in his life. It brought back many memories and confirmed dad’s legacy. He was a good man.

After some time, my contact mentioned we should get down to business, so we had a brief discussion about my presentation and the audience I would be speaking to. For some reason neither of us had the enthusiasm about this topic we had earlier.

Driving home, I couldn’t help but smile at how our conversation had immediately centered on my comment about an obscure, now-extinct retail chain that acted as a catalyst for a powerful emotional experience.

It was almost as if an invisible voice had whispered in my ear. Thanks dad. You are remembered.

Dr Gnu.