?experiences From ?the Flow? (3): Lost and Found – Kindred Spirits and Mistakes Made in Haste.?

crew and T.V. News group.

As Songsana shot scenes from all over the Sports Stadium bleachers, track, and soccer field, I watched her professional prowess. It was obvious to me that she knew her way around and in front of a camera. Her poise reminded me of someone long ago forgotten; another professional female whom fate matched me up with over 25 years ago (but that female was an “exchange student” soldier – and the subject for a future book).

I really admired Songsana’s pleasing, but direct manner.

As we both performed our respective responsibilities, I made it a point to regain eye contact as much as possible. One time, when she was nearby, talking to her colleagues, I saw her looking at me and immediately – reflexively – smiled and winked at her. The resulting smile on her face and sparkle in her eyes was utterly priceless.

– STUPID, QUICK GETAWAYS –

My boss huddled the foreign teachers together and announced the game plan. It was around noon and the boss wanted to make it an early day. To not arouse any suspicions, we were to surreptitiously slip away (meaning go home) one-by-one. I’ve never turned down an early quitting time in my life, so I anxiously waited for my turn to “disappear.”

My biggest concern was making sure I said good-bye to Songsana. I volunteered to be the last foreigner to leave; mainly because Songsana was still busy shooting another scene on the track field.

Finally, it was time to make my getaway, but I still hadn’t said good-bye.

“You. Eat,” said one of my Thai teacher friends, handing me an ice-cream cone from the teacher’s canteen.

“Kaap khun kraap (thank you),” I said, taking the ice-cream cone and making a beeline to Songsana. I didn’t care if she was surrounded by the camera crew; I wasn’t leaving without saying good-bye.

“Songsana, shhhhh…I’m going home now. Don’t work too hard,” I said, and handed her the ice-cream cone.

“Thanks, J.C.,” she said with a cute smile.

And for the first time since we met, in spite of her smile, I saw a tinge of melancholy in her eyes.

– DUMB, DUMB, DUMB –

I and my friends were delighted about the unexpected free, personal time. We rendezvoused at a spot well outside the stadium and headed for the taxis home. It was great to get a half-day. I was already planning on a nice, long run and weight workout at the fitness center.

So much had happened today. I planned to assimilate all the events while I ran on the treadmill. I could replay how Songsana and I met, talked, and spontaneously hit it off. I was so thankful that “all the planets aligned” and in spite of tremendous odds, we met in this country, on this day, and at this place.

Then I realized something that made me feel supremely stupid (dumber than dumb!).

IN MY HASTE TO LEAVE WORK EARLY, I FORGOT TO OFFER SONGSANA MY PHONE NUMBER OR TO EVEN ASK FOR HERS!

I didn’t know where she was staying in Thailand and I couldn’t call her.

I couldn’t even call her when she returned back to her country.

Dumb, Dumb, Dumb!…

(In the next article in this series, “Experiences from ‘the Flow’ (4): LOST AND FOUND: The Benevolent Hand of the Universe,” you will read how – in spite of my ineptness – the gentle hand of the Universe kept nudging me back towards Songsana. Celebrate my triumphs and wonder at the supreme benevolence of the Original Substance (God, the Universe, the One, etc.)

Until then, find “The Flow” and jump in!

Your Friend in this Intrepid Journey called Life,

Carl “J.C.” Pantejo

Note: If you want to read more about overcoming heartbreak, unconditional love, exorcising past personal demons, and the Illusive Secret of Happiness, please read the following articles:

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’: From Heartbreak to Happiness”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (2): Coincidence or Synchronicity: FROM RELAPSE TO MIRACLES…”

“How Dare She! Out of Desperation I Learned How to Forgive”

“Remember Who You Are!”

“Need to Heal Your Broken Heart? Read on. Overcome Heartbreak and Learn the Illusive Secret of Happiness.”

(By Carl “J.C.” Pantejo and published internet-wide, keyword: [title of article] or “Carl Pantejo”)

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