From Mishap To Magic: What Happened When a Screw-Up Made a Great Memory

What can I say, I'm bad with numbers

My favorite, rarely worn, stilettos made that satisfying click as we strutted down the pier in all our finery. Dusk was falling as we stepped onto the ship for a a night of celebration cruising around the San Francisco Bay. This well-earned party, to celebrate my friend D getting his degree, had been many years coming.

Photo by Maggie Riordan on Unsplash

Yet, something was awry.

With a racing heart I leaned toward the person working the front desk of the ship, “What do you mean we aren’t on the list?”

My toes, inside my beloved fancy shoes, began to tap as he scanned the roster of elite guests — those coming aboard for the five-course dinner under the sparkly lights. There was no doubt we would be on the list because we had been planning this party for months. My buddy’s elderly Dad even flew from another country to be with us. Alas, our names were not there.

Something was awry.