When The Universe Speaks – Mentors and By Chance Meetings

POWERFUL STORY

The year was 1981 and this young girl steps into her first art class as a high school sophomore.  She is filled with internal conflicts from her past history of trauma and abuse, but her outer shell is screaming “creativity”.  

The class room had huge windows bringing in the bright sunlight and the walls were painted in amazing colors from the art work of the students before her.  It felt like a magical place that you could escape life’s troubles.  It sucked you in with the sights and the sounds of music.  The teacher always played music!

She loved to draw and paint, and was an eager student who wanted more!  The teacher, “Mr. James Brower”, who was tall in stature, slender with big framed glasses, and gray hair.   He was older, in his 60s.  He had kind eyes and a broad smile.  

As he greeted his new incoming class, his voice was comforting, cheerful and soothing.   He instantly made you feel welcomed!   Mr. Brower was the type of teacher who truly engaged with all of his students “really getting to know them as individuals”.

You could tell that he truly cared, and he saw the sadness in this young girl’s eyes, as she was seeking for a place of belonging.   He could also see that Lisa, had talent and was willing to listen and learn from him.   She gave him her attention and respect every time she walked into the classroom.  This was a place of safety for her.   Lisa found her solitude daily, as she explored the world of Art!

Over the course of the next three years Lisa formed an amazing bond with Mr. Brower, who always offered her kindness, inspiration and advice.  Even though he never asked her about her deep dark secrets, he always seemed to know exactly what she needed.    He gave her support and understanding.  He allowed her to grow with her own creativity, and even allowed her to paint her own mural on the walls of that magnificent classroom.

Lisa shined in this environment.  It was a time of transitions, growth and learning, and Mr. Brower walked with her every step of the way.   Lisa would come visit him just to chat about life, her ambitions and the future.  He was always the attentive listener.   He would also bring in treats for all of the students from time to time, and that was always a big bonus to all of them.  He always offered incentives!

When Lisa’s high school career was coming to a close and she had to make important adult decisions about her future, Mr. Brower encouraged her to apply to art school.  He even offered to write her a letter of recommendations because he believed in her passion and talents.   Unfortunately, Lisa had to make the difficult decision to walk away from her dream of becoming an artist because of lack of funding and support.   Lisa chose a career in business and a short-term college course, so she could make her way out into the world.  At that time, she felt that she had no choice, but to do what would bring her a career ASAP, and she could make money and move out of her dysfunctional environment.

She did not want to tell her teacher what her decision was, as she was afraid of his disappointment in her.   When she finally got up enough courage to share her decision with him, she was met with kindness, compassion and understanding of her situation.  She shared a little bit of her past with him, and about the environment she was living in.   He LISTENED – He UNDERSTOOD.   He did state that he wished it was different for Lisa, and he believed in her talents, but he also knew she needed to find her peace.  He told her that he supported her decision, and still wrote a letter of recommendation to the college Lisa applied to. 

On the night of senior prom, Mr. Brower, was one of the chaperones attending the event.  Lisa saw him and he smiled.  She went right over to him and hugged him.  He told her that she looked stunning.  Lisa asked him if he would dance with her, and he happily accepted.   As they danced gliding across the dance floor, she had joy on her face, and he smiled and laughed as they chatted and danced at the same time.   He told her that he was so proud of the beautiful young woman that she has become, and wished her the greatest of successes that life had to offer.  It was a touching moment and one that Lisa never forgot.

On graduation day in June 1983, he once again showed up!   He came over to Lisa and hugged her, congratulated her and told her go off and be the best that you can be.  As Lisa hugged him tight, she had tears in her eyes, and when she stepped back so did he.   He truly was a great man, and an amazing teacher.  A true mentor!

The impact that he had on her life was truly immeasurable, and she was never sure if he knew just how amazing he was. 

**mentor do changes lives and shifts the path a young adult may be traveling

FAST FORWARD – 20+ YEARS LATER – A BY CHANCE MEETING

Lisa now a grown woman, married with three children and living a full life of many ups and downs, due to her “silent past”, was trying to come to terms with many of her demons, and now she was dealing with her dad’s illness.   Her father lived in Florida, and she had to make many trips to be by his side when he was going through many health situations.

After a really difficult episode with her father where he almost died, she was completely drained.  She stayed with him as long as she could, but the duties back home were calling out to her.   She needed to get back home to her life with her husband and children.  As she boarded that plane, she felt completed conflicted, as she wanted to be in two places at once.

As she settled into her seat, the plane was filling in quickly.  It was a full flight and she felt the warmth of people all around her.  It felt stifling and constricting to her as she was taking some deep breathes to calm her already fried nerves.  She closed her eyes and was deep in thought when a man came and sat down next to her.  He said, “Hello” really loud.   She looked at him in annoyance, but there was something soulful in his eyes.   It was a look that she had seen before but could not place.  She smiled and said, “Hello” back.

Once they were in flight, they struck up a conversation.  Lisa shared how she was visiting her sick father, and had to make her way back home to Massachusetts.  He talked about being on a business trip and making his way home to Connecticut.

Lisa casually stated that she grew up in Connecticut, and he asked where.  She told him West Haven.   His eyes grew big, and he asked, “Hey did you go to West Haven High School,” to which she replied, “Yes I did”.    He then asked her if she knew an art teacher named Mr. Brower.   

Lisa had chills run throughout her body as she responded, “Yes I did, how do you know him”?   He stated that Mr. Brower was his father.   Lisa was shocked!!  She had a million questions run through her head, but couldn’t get the words out.  When she finally spoke, she blurted out the whole story about his father, and what an amazing man he was.  She also spoke of his mentorship towards her and how he helped her at a very difficult time in her young life.  As Lisa shared story after story, he sat patiently and smiled.   He went on to share with her about his amazing upbringing and what an incredible father he was.   He stated that he always spoke about his students and loved them so much.  He was sad when he had to retire.  

As this plane was soaring through the sky two random people with this by chance meeting were bonding over one amazing person.   They laughed and cried at the same time.  He went on to tell her that his father passed away and he was devastated at loosing his father.   She comforted him as she was struggling with her own fears about loosing her dad.   They talked about everything, and gave each other the gifts of kindness and compassion.  Shared stories for purpose!

When the flight was over, he thanked her for sharing such an amazing story about his father, and it gave him great comfort to know how his dad helped so many of is students in such a positive way.  He said that her story gave him such love in his heart, and felt his dad set this up somehow because he had been struggling so deeply.

Lisa agreed with him, as she felt remembering Mr. Brower gave her the courage to continue to step forward on her own journey with her life struggles and her father impending passing.   They hugged, wished each other well, and went on their way.

What an amazing experience for the both of them.

By Chance Meeting OR The Universe Aligning.  Never underestimate the power of spirit.     1010

We all have a story…

Embrace the Journey,

God Bless,

Lisa Zarcone

Author – Child & Mental Health Advocate – Public Speaker – Blogger

Social Media Influencer

Massachusetts National Ambassador for Naasca (National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse

2023 – Woman of Impact - Business West Magazine

CASA Advocate (Court Appointed Special Advocate)

For abused or neglected children

I am a voice for the voiceless