The P ublisher Po stulates
34 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2020
Somehow, this very ambiguous
phrase has served me well, by
letting people know that I am
not as powerful, not as swift and
not as agile as I once was, but
that I am still able to do those
things that make me happy.
I can’t run, swim or play tennis,
and even walking can at times
be a challenge, but my mind still
is filled with pleasant thoughts,
snarky comebacks and clever
word play.
So not only am I here, but I am
here, ready and able to enjoy the
pleasures in life that have always
fascinated and enthralled me.
I am here doing what I love doing
with people that I want to be
with, so I am still “wonderful,”
even if I don’t say the word and instead
temper it with my new response. Yes,
my life has been wonderful and I know
it and appreciate all that I have had a
chance to experience. That is why when
I say “I am here,” I’m still “wonderful,“
even if I don’t say it. Believe me, I find it
a wonder that I am here. 9
For years, whenever and
wherever I was asked
how I was, I would reply,
“Wonderful.” It was a
natural response that was both
true and accurate. I was always
wonderful. I would never allow
myself to be anything less.
I believed that by saying so,
I made it so, through the so-called
power of positive thinking.
While none of that has
changed, I have. I find myself
replying to any inquiry about
myself with the phrase, “ I am
here.” I am still wonderful,
but I find it more important
to declare my presence. The
nice part of using this phrase
is that it allows a multitude of
interpretations. Most people take it to
mean that I am OK in that I am able to
get myself together enough to attend
whatever function it happens to be
from a simple dinner to a spectacular
event at some unusual venue. For me, it
means that I have become thankful for
having survived longer than most of my
friends and acquaintances and to be able
to experience another happy moment in
what has been an unbelievable life, full
of joy and happiness.
Publisher / Editor
I AM HERE
By Aaron R. Fodiman
Hot dogs have always been one of my favorite foods.
I didn’t care that this beauty was made of glass because
I enjoyed it without needing to take a bite.
GRAM
I love being anywhere with anyone.
I am never bored or feeling as though I am
wasting my time. I enjoy everything and
I do mean everything. I am not only happy
to be alive, but also appreciative of how
much I need to be with people and to feel
a part of whatever is going on at the time.
Therefore, when I declare, “I am here,”
I am in my own way letting everyone know
that I am happy to be alive and to be there
with them at whatever may be happening
from funerals to Broadway shows.