Mr and Mrs Adams," David Johnsons said as he stretched his hands out for a shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you" "No, the pleasure is ours Mr Johnson's" I said. "May I steal your husband for a couple of minute?". He asked. "Oh , please do ,infact I was about to dump him alittle for a few words with the ladies at the bar. Take your time. I joked as I walked across the room towards Dr Nathans who stood in conversation with a group of young entrepreneurs . He seemed to listen more than he spoke offering advise only when sought.
Dr Nathans grey was one of the most successful and respected figure in the country for his great discoveries in the medical world. 'Devin' was one of the vaccines he developed after one of the worlds biggest outbreak that claimed thousands of lives . 'Deknort' another vaccine that was made after the outbreak, administered to pregnant women and children born within the period, just after the BCG to prevent deformation in babies and lung collupsion . These two vaccines made his company grow into a whole different margin within a short period of time.
He was ranked among the top richest people in the country. He appeared in interviews across the globe, magazines, newspapers as he woke to praises and respect on his name. He became a role model to the entire society and wooow to the luck that brought me to such a place to meet him in person. Seeing him in person made me see him in a different light . His silver hair, tan skin tone, slender but well built figure with distinguished features ,spoke of a life well lived and we'll earned.
"Dr Nathans"he turned upon hearing his name. I bowed alittle to show my respect while calling his name. Something about his look and his presence commanded both respect and awe. "Mrs Adams, I work for 'save the mom and child' international organization and I would really love to have a word with you, if you allow me. "I said as I watched his eyes lit in the mention of save the mom and child' organization. He seemed ready to engage and I didn't waste a minute as I praised him of his charity work in the organization and his vaccines that had saved so many children and adults in the mid crisses of the outbreak. "If I may ask, why 'De' ? Have noticed all your vaccines and medicines start with the word 'De'. I asked." I lost something very precious , Something that is part of me, the only thing that I have ever created genetically and 'De' is what represents us in my personal world. "He explained, his words chosen with care and delivered with a smile that hinted both wisdom and wit.
We talked for a few minutes before I noticed his gaze on my exposed right shoulder as he asked . Is that a tattoo or a birth mark?. "Oh, that a birthmark with a tattoo sitting on it." I explained as he kept gazing like he was lost onto something deep. "Is everything ok, Dr Nathans? I asked." Your voice. Your voice is quite different. I mean it soft , sleek and suave. It's reminds me of someone I lost back in the days. I loved listening to her velvet sound, starring at her beautiful face, she had her own charms , you know. "He teared as he said this.
I was alittle moved and couldn't stop to think of how we see these moguls as little gods but forget that they are still human. Infront of me I saw a man , a delicates one, soft and kind and I didn't know why I felt his pain. "Sorry about that ," he said as he composed himself with a warm smile and raised shoulders as he looked around the room like he was looking for someone.
"Sir, I would love to hear your word on 'success' before you leave. "Sucess" he remarked quietly. Mrs Adam, have seen you work during the most difficult times in history. Your dedication and love for humanity made me have a liking on you. It's not usual for me to have a lengthy conversation with just anyone.watching you on the news trying to control the situation on camps, schools and most affected areas with no fear of getting infected made my distribute free vaccine and other resources to your organization. So, I would say to you, sucess is a fine balance of ambition and integrity. And remember, the measure of a person's true wealth is not in their bank account but in the strength of their character and the depth of their compassion.keep doing what you do, you are a light in this dark world" he said ask he excused himself and lost in the crowd.
I was carried by his positive remarks and I couldn't help but tear in joy and disbelief that such man would even notice me.
As the night progressed, everyone mingled seemlessly having a conversation here and there that weaved a rich tapestry of insight and elegance. The exposure made me understand a different and true meaning of elegance. As my mother would oftenly say, "true elegance is not merely in what we wear , but how we carry ourselves. It is in the grace with which we greet and exchange words with both triump and adversity and in the kindness we show to others regardless of their status."
So oftenly , the world around me reminded me of her words and every inch I turned I would resonate with her words like I was walking her talk. And once again she would constantly remind me,"once a chance appears in the cracks of life ,you should grab it and use it as your life depended on it".so,I took up the chance that presented itself in a whole platter and used it to exhaustion.
The next day was a weekend, so we rested up the whole day, nursed the hangover and re- energized for the following day.