Press Talk: A pleasant surprise in taking time to dream

On Saturday, I wrote a Press Talk column with a twist: Send me an entry on what your compelling dreams might be and the winner would get a lunch with me.

The idea was prompted by a plaque I happened on in front of a bench at Esther Short Park. It was placed there in honor of a man named Donald Jarosek. But rather than the plaque simply saying something about Donald, it delivered a message.

“Take time to dream.”

As expected, dozens of entries have already come in. But I received one email on this topic that was particularly special.

It was from Donald’s daughter:

“What a wonderful surprise to find our dad made the paper Saturday morning.

“Your timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Dad’s birthday is Sept. 29 and we had planned to bring Mom down to the park for a visit Sunday. Mom is pretty frail these days, but you sure perked her up yesterday; she was quite the celebrity at Bonaventure, her assisted living home.

“Mom chose the phrase ‘Take time to dream.’ Dad loved to travel and always was looking for his next adventure. We use the bench and plaque for our visits with Dad, who loved the park and all the events he attended there. So thank you.

“Yesterday’s visit to the bench was even more special.”

— Diane Sanders

*****

As community members, we never really know how we might impact readers. We hear from readers all the time. Some say good things and some … not so much.

As it should be.

But when an unexpected kind word comes in, that’s special. And whatever small role The Columbian played in Vivian Jarosek’s day, as we noted her husband’s life, we simply are grateful we had the opportunity.

Today was Donald’s birthday. What better day to honor the way he lived. So remember to take time to dream. Don’t get too caught up in the day-to-day craziness. This too shall pass.

Take time to dream.

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