Pep Talk: "Weather Be Damn"

It was the first day back, a Friday, at sports talk radio, on Mile High Sports after returning from overseas. Sometimes there is a question of the day. This was one of those days. I had proposed to darling girlfriend while in weather-plagued Paris earlier in the week. To get in the chase for four lacrosse tickets to a college double-header at Denver University, listeners had to call and share their proposal story.

Scotty from Lakewood was the winner in my book when describing how the lovely Leslie had proposed to HIM!

This simple dude from Missouri has a different tale. It started with a revelation. The highest point in Paris, France is on the north side of town. There’s a butte, the hill of Montmartre, about 129 meters high. Atop this area, back in 1875 construction began on a church, The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as the Sacre-Couer Basilica. It’s an amazing structure. Another church nearby is where, back in the 1500‘s, a bunch of knuckleheads started the Society of Jesus - Jesuits. Newsworthy lately considering the recent pontification of a Jesuit as pope.

Anyway, this architecturally-inspiring place of worship is one of Paris’ most visited spots. At night, from steps in front, the lights of the City of Lights stretch forever. When the weather cooperates. Which it did not while your love-struck correspondent hung in Paris with darling girlfriend. Western Europe in early March is like America’s Midwest. Almost Spring but the weather can be dicey, icy, snowy, rainy, windy and cold. We received plenty of each during our stay.

But there was a mission to accomplish. Proposing. Sacre Couer was chosen after much thought and consultation, primary because it was the highest point in the city. I had never been there and experienced its artwork, history and beauty. What a joyful bonus. It’s built with travertine stone which, because it always exudes calcite, remains beautifully white despite pollution and weathering.

The main focus was, once dropping to one knee, to proclaim: “Darling, we’re standing on the steps of a church in Paris that sits on its highest point. The lights of the city twinkle below. It would be the highest moment of my life if you accepted this ring as a symbol of my life-long promise to love, protect and entertain you till death to us part.”

That was the proposition planned. Mother Nature was messing with it. The weather outside was frightful. Rain mixed with snow, windy and cold. Nobody was standing on the Sacre Couer steps looking down on the lights of the city because you couldn’t see more than 50 feet in front of your face. But I had a ring in my pocket that was burning a hole in the blue jeans.

We were completing a leisurely self-guided tour of the landmark’s majestic interior - took 39 years to build -  and were heading for the exit and those darn steps. What to do? Proceed as planned. Later while telling this story to Billy Mac from Hackensack, he quipped, “Hey sometimes you gotta play in lousy weather.” This was one of those times.

We stepped into the miserable Paris evening. It was about eight o’clock local time. Darling girlfriend’s a tad curious why the self-proclaimed facilities manager has not popped open the umbrella to shield us from the harsh elements. She notices the father of two has dropped to one knee. She queries, “What are you doing?” I tried to maintain composure while reciting words about “highest point and highest moment” in asking for her hand and displaying a sparkling ring. Inclement conditions for sure but weather be damned. She accepted!

In another phone conversation about the moment, while talking with older sister back home, between bursts of laughter she muttered something profound. “Mark, this is symbolic. It’s a wonderful sign you’ll be there for each other to weather the storms that life will no doubt throw your way along the journey of matrimony.”

Amen sister!

We know there will be turbulence. That’s life. The great mystery is, “Where will those darn storms form? Will they appear physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially or wherever - home, work and elsewhere? The great unknown. Stormy weather’s origin.

The folks at Victory Productions know you’re in the same boat. Most likely, there are exceptions to every rule, at some point down the road inclement conditions will appear. Usually at the most inopportune time. That’s when it’s important to remember a few things: we’re not alone, rally with like-minded folks and encourage one another to achieve goals and overcome challenges in effectively dealing with whatever ails.

Forge ahead. Weather be damned.

Have a good week!