Learning From Professor Harold Hill

In the play and movie The Music Man, when Professor Harold Hill is trying to persuade Miss Marion, the lady librarian to meet him at the old bridge in fifteen minutes she says, “Oh no, I can’t. . Please, some other time, maybe tomorrow.”

And he says, “Oh my dear little librarian, you pile up enough tomorrows and you’ll find you’ve collected nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.”

I don’t know about you but I’d like to make today worth remembering.”

And she sighs, “Oooooh! So would I.”

And he says, “The foot bridge.  Fifteen minutes.”

And after a long pause she says, “Fifteen minutes.”

I had taped this show and when I saw and heard that scene I stopped the tape and backed it up and I listened to it again and again.  What a line, “you pile up enough tomorrows and you’ll find you’ve collected nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.”

Gosh, I think back on my life and he was speaking about much more than some romance at the old bridge.  He was talking about success and happiness and winning and living a life that is truly worth remembering and I am filled with joy with that scene because many times I said “yes” when an opportunity came my way or I said, “Say yes, “ to a prospect or a client or even maybe a lady and I have so many, many wonderful yesterdays to remember.

If you ask me why I keep watching old movies I would answer you, it is for moments like this one.  For me it is precious.

In the play and movie The Music Man, when Professor Harold Hill is trying to persuade Miss Marion, the lady librarian to meet him at the old bridge in fifteen minutes she says, “Oh no, I can’t. . Please, some other time, maybe tomorrow.” And he says, “Oh my dear little librarian, you pile up enough tomorrows and you’ll find you’ve collected nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.” I don’t know about you but I’d like to make today worth remembering.” And she sighs, “Oooooh! So would I.” And he says, “The foot bridge.  Fifteen minutes.” And after a long pause she says, “Fifteen minutes.” I had taped this show and when I saw and heard that scene I stopped the tape and backed it up and I listened to it again and again.  What a line, “you pile up enough tomorrows and you’ll find you’ve collected nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.” Gosh, I think back on my life and he was speaking about much more than some romance at the old bridge.  He was talking about success and happiness and winning and living a life that is truly worth remembering and I am filled with joy with that scene because many times I said “yes” when an opportunity came my way or I said, “Say yes, “ to a prospect or a client or even maybe a lady and I have so many, many wonderful yesterdays to remember. If you ask me why I keep watching old movies I would answer you, it is for moments like this one.  For me it is precious.