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Just Lucky, I Guess
Years ago, when model railroading was one of my favorite hobbies, I met a remarkably talented artist and craftsman. His model railroad was magnificent.
One day, he invited me over to work on his railroad. I declined. I had grant proposals to write.
I’d left pharmacy and was developing another career, this time in grant writing. I’d attended webinars, studied the profession, and completed a certification program in writing successful grant proposals through Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. I was putting considerable time and effort into learning something new.
My friend wasn’t impressed.
“You’re so damn lucky!” he exclaimed. “It must be nice to have it all handed to you.”
I managed to remain calm.
“I work hard to create my luck,” I replied.
What I was thinking was considerably less diplomatic.
That conversation has stayed with me, not because I resented his success as a model railroader. Quite the contrary. I admired his craftsmanship enormously. What bothered me was his assumption that whatever I had accomplished had somehow come easily.
Luck’s an interesting word.
I’ve been called lucky for having a comfortable home, for enjoying a good life, and for being…
