A Small Tribute to My Mom on the Way to Meeting Ken Burns
Tonight I met Ken Burns. Ken Burns is one of my many idols. Mr. Burns is known for such informational documentary films presented by PBS as the Civil War, Baseball, and his most recent work, the War (World War II). I am a big fan of his documentaries, and have learned a great deal from them. I owe the experience of meeting Ken Burns solely to my mother, for two reasons.
The first reason is that I would not have known about Mr. Burns' book signing in the first place had I not been visited by my mother and the rest of my family last week. My mother's insistence to venture into the book store while we were at the Time-Warner Center at Columbus Circle using the bathrooms directly led to my seeing the sign advertising the book signing and discussion that was to take place the following week.
The second reason is a little more complex and far more deeply rooted. When I was growing up, my mother often suggested things for us kids to do that we weren't necessarily keen on doing. My mom obviously knew what was best for us, but being children, we were prone to resisting activities that didn't involve ice cream or video games. She signed us up for classes at an educational farm in the area. She made us go hiking and camping. She made us go to the library. We were participating in all these things that none of our friends were doing, and therefore were not cool. But my mom always retorted with the answer that we would be glad we did after it was all finished. As it turns out, she was right. Everything she said was true. Because of her persistence, I now have a much deeper appreciation for nature and the library and my surrounding community than I ever would have gained otherwise. So much so that when I see that I have an opportunity to meet in person such an influential figure in my life, I jump at the chance.
I got there early, I waited in line, and I met Ken Burns. I shook his hand even. What is even more remarkable about this situation was the fact that I met another celebrity while fulfilling my goal of meeting the first celebrity. As I sat waiting for the book discussion to begin, who should sit down and occupy the seat to the right of me but none other than Robert Wuhl, a comedian and actor made famous by the popular HBO show Arli$$. I would never have guessed that Robert Wuhl was into history as well, but it just goes to show you how the influence and work of Ken Burns reaches out to a great many people. So I met two celebrities in one sitting. Killed two birds with one stone, if you will. And I have only my mother to thank. Thank you, Mom.
The first reason is that I would not have known about Mr. Burns' book signing in the first place had I not been visited by my mother and the rest of my family last week. My mother's insistence to venture into the book store while we were at the Time-Warner Center at Columbus Circle using the bathrooms directly led to my seeing the sign advertising the book signing and discussion that was to take place the following week.
The second reason is a little more complex and far more deeply rooted. When I was growing up, my mother often suggested things for us kids to do that we weren't necessarily keen on doing. My mom obviously knew what was best for us, but being children, we were prone to resisting activities that didn't involve ice cream or video games. She signed us up for classes at an educational farm in the area. She made us go hiking and camping. She made us go to the library. We were participating in all these things that none of our friends were doing, and therefore were not cool. But my mom always retorted with the answer that we would be glad we did after it was all finished. As it turns out, she was right. Everything she said was true. Because of her persistence, I now have a much deeper appreciation for nature and the library and my surrounding community than I ever would have gained otherwise. So much so that when I see that I have an opportunity to meet in person such an influential figure in my life, I jump at the chance.
I got there early, I waited in line, and I met Ken Burns. I shook his hand even. What is even more remarkable about this situation was the fact that I met another celebrity while fulfilling my goal of meeting the first celebrity. As I sat waiting for the book discussion to begin, who should sit down and occupy the seat to the right of me but none other than Robert Wuhl, a comedian and actor made famous by the popular HBO show Arli$$. I would never have guessed that Robert Wuhl was into history as well, but it just goes to show you how the influence and work of Ken Burns reaches out to a great many people. So I met two celebrities in one sitting. Killed two birds with one stone, if you will. And I have only my mother to thank. Thank you, Mom.
posted by Leland J. Fischer at 10:58 PM
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