An AHA Moment

August 18th came and went. Paul McCartney did a concert in Pittsburgh, and I stayed home. What's wrong with this picture?

I struggled with this. Initially, I knew what I was doing. My daughter was expecting and although it would be early for the baby, that hasn't stopped her before. I was sure if I bought tickets I'd never make it to the concert and that would kill me. I haven't missed one of his concerts in 20 years.

Well, the 18th came. Of course the concert had sold out within minutes of going on sale, so I knew there wasn't a chance. But then tickets went on sale for the 19th. And on the 19th, there were still a few available. I was available. But I didn't buy. What's wrong with this picture? It bugged me all day.

Well, for one thing, I've been to many of his concerts, but I've only had decent, not great, seats one time. This time I really didn't want to go and sit in bad seats again. Even so I still wished I was going. And then something happened later to put all this in perspective.

After the concert, people who had gone, raved about it. And over and over I heard people say, "I'm so glad I got to see him. I've waited 30 years for this!" It didn't matter who you were, TV personality or local resident. Everyone was thrilled for this opportunity. It turns out this was the first time he'd been in Pittsburg in 20 years.

And then I had my "AHA!" moment. Or maybe it was a humbling moment.

Every once in a great while, something happens to make me take a good look at how fortunate my life has been. Many years ago when I was living in Florida the radio station I was listening to had a contest. The winner would win 2 tickets to anywhere in the world. Wow, I thought. I would go to Switzerland, or Australia! I had been to Switzerland once and really wanted to go back. I had a sister in Australia and it would be a great place to visit. The winner blew me away when she excitedly said NEW YORK!!! Huh? Anywhere in the world and she picks a city up the coast? Then she went on to say she had been in Florida for 8 years and had never been home.

Now that caught me off guard. I had to stop and let that settle in for a moment. In the 10 years I had lived in Florida I had probably been home 15 times, including vacations, weddings, and funerals. What would it have been like to never be able to go home? I was humbled. And chastised. I took so much for granted. I became very grateful.

In the last two weeks I've had a chance to re-live that feeling. In my lifetime I saw the Beatles at Convention Hall in Philly, 1964, Shea Stadium, and the Spectrum. I have seen McCartney 4 times while living in Florida. For me, it has become almost a badge of honor to go, not just a joyous event (which it always was, as well). Imagine if I had had to wait 43 years to see him!

Yes, I am a lucky person. My life has had so much good fortune in it. And for all those people who were so excited after seeing McCartney for the first time, I am glad you had my seat. Even a bad seat at his show is a fantastic experience. And the glowing faces on the news after the show reminded me once again how lucky I have been.