James Myers

US Army, FEMA Region 6 Emergency Manager as ESF-2 Communications, National Security Council National Secure Communications System, MISO US Army Europe with 36 Data Centers, OIC Data Processing Center DPI-U500, various active duty command assignments all over the world for three decades with kids born in Heidelberg, Germany, and Austin, Texas.

Texas Instruments Inc., Dallas, TX, from 1980 to 2007. Director IT Support, Corporate Site, lead NICET Level III Certified Fire Systems Engineer, access control, CCTV, alarm systems designer, and Mass Notification. Director Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity and Emergency Planner.

Working late one week night as the stage crew lighting manager to set the lights for a play, I was running down a rear stairway by the Gym when I heard the sound of a girl crying. I slowed as I approached her, she was one of the cheerleaders, sitting on the bottom step crying her heart out. I sat down next to her, not saying a word.

I gave her my clean handkerchief and just sat next to her quietly. I knew she'd speak when she was ready. After a few minutes, she asked "what are you doing?"

I answered simply, ""Helping you cry!"

She paused for a few seconds and then gave me a big hug and started to explain. "You guys treat me like I have some kind of a disease!"

I understood how she felt, she was one of the most beautiful girls in our class! I explained the complicated and insecure thought processes of most guys, "First, most guys are intimidated by beauty, and you are the most beautiful girl in school!" Then, "Most guys are intimidated by smart girls and you are one of the most intelligent girls I know!"

She started to smile, as she listened and occasionally nodded her head in agreement as I continued.

"Most guys are intimidated by tall girls, and you are pretty tall. But, in my mind, that just means there is more of you to appreciate!" She was just an inch or two taller than me, but the only problem I saw was how to sneak in a kiss. I continued by telling her exactly how I felt about her and that I would be proud to take her to the Friday dance, I needed a date too!

She then broke out crying again and gave me a bigger hug! I gained a new friend that night, and we sat there for what seemed like forever talking about how girls and guys think and how often we make the wrong assumptions which cause hurt and pain. I drove her home in my trusty rusty Chevy with the Radio Shack reverb springs that gave my FM radio (tuned to WEBN) a "SPROING" sound from the rear speaker every time I drove over railroad tracks.

We both had a blast at the dance, but I will never forget that night on the stairs. I've told this story to my children, and my children's children many times. I hope that someday they will have the same opportunity and choose wisely to listen and learn from someone, and just make life and the world a little brighter.

My Father told me a very wise saying that I use frequently, "God made us each different for a reason. The challenge is to listen, learn, and respect one another." His broad wisdom served me well throughout my life. So, I pass it on for all who pause to listen.