Fond Memories
In this time of COVID-19, I worry about the fact that we haven’t been able to see our friends and family in Mensa. Which got me to reminiscing about some of the events I’ve attended and members that I have met over the years.
I have had the honor and pleasure of meeting some amazing people due to my Mensa membership. I will always remember my first impression, the two proctors who provided the Mensa test. Margaret Lowry and Joan Johnson were delightful and friendly and made the testing session fun. Even though there were 25 of us in the room, we each felt special and that we should be there. A few commented on that fact when we were on our way out of the room after the test.
I got to know Joan a lot better a few years later as I became more involved with my Local Group. She was a wonder at hospitality for our Regional Gathering, and pretty much all our events. I mean, she even made her own mayonnaise from scratch. I tried to soak up as much knowledge as I could, and she happily answered my myriad of questions.
Then, I got more involved and started Chairing the RG for my Local Group and resolved that I wanted to know more and do more. It was time to find out about Mind Games and see what running one of those was all about. I’m so grateful that my first experience with Mind Games was with Greg Webster as the Chair. He was also willing to share his knowledge and love of games. He made it so much fun that I couldn’t wait to run one for my Local Group, and I ended up running two.
Okay, now I thought I was ready for the big guns. Running an Annual Gathering. Even after running eight Regional Gatherings, I was not prepared for the difference between an RG and an AG. But I knew I would be able to find out more from members who had experience. That is when I met Marc Lederman. He had already chaired two AGs when I first met him. While he liked to pretend to be grumpy, he was very helpful and provided enough documentation that it took me weeks just to sort it out. It was exciting to prepare for it and I peppered him constantly with questions, thoughts, and ideas. He was a wonderful resource and made me laugh. He is greatly missed.
I’ve had so much help along the way that it makes me smile. My hope that each of you has had someone in Mensa that you remember fondly for their help, their smile, or just their friendship. If you do, I would love to hear about it. Please take care, be safe, and wash your hands.