On December 13, 1997 this egg I was commissioned to create was presented to concert pianist Adlan Cruz at the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport, CT. The event was a fund-raiser for BCHC, an acronym I can no longer identify. I’m sure I heard some buzz after the event, but have long forgotten about it. It’s 13 years and a couple of careers ago.

Then, this morning in my inbox, I received 4 emails from the recipient, Adlan Cruz, who recently found the piece of paper with my name on it and came looking for me. He sent enlarged images of my design from every angle. But it was his message that touched my heart:

My name is Adlan Cruz, a concert pianist now on a World tour visiting 15 countries. In 1997 I offered a concert at the Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport, CT for a cause. At the end of the concert I was presented with one of your creations, which was a big surprise to me. To this date, that is one of the most memorable gifts I have ever received. I have it in a very special place where my collectibles are displayed ( my first toy piano, collectibles from Holly Land and such) .

He asked if I would call him, which I did. Before I called, I watched some of his clips on youtube to get a better understanding of this gift recipient. I watched some footage of him playing, was duly impressed, then dialed his number.

I asked him what Holly Land was. I thought it might be something like Dolly Parton’s theme park, but realized that was Dollywood, not Dolly Land! Adlan laughed explaining his typo. He had actually received another egg created for him in the Holy (not Holly) Land. I was doubly honored.

Besides sharing this joy with you, I wanted to emphasize two things. It’s never too late to show appreciation. This email correspondence lifted my mood to joy at 6am. And, your wonderful work has ripples rippling right now that you may not even find out  for 13 more years.