Bits and Pieces: Chance encounter reminds to live long and prosper

My husband, Lorenzo, is kind, incredibly smart and an all-around great guy. He is also a nerd with a wonky penchant for "Star Trek." He and my son regularly exchange Trekkie lines during the course of everyday conversations.

Not being a fan, their banter usually leaves me lost and incredibly frustrated during those discussions.

Who knew there were so many Klingon words?!

Imagine Lorenzo's absolute euphoria when he recently found himself face-to-face with one of "Star Trek's" most well-known cast members, George Takei. Oh my!

We were attending a community fundraising dinner and Takei was the guest speaker. In the course of making the rounds and speaking with friends during the dinner, my husband ran into none other than Capt. Sulu himself.

Lorenzo was star-struck. He started a conversation and chatted with Takei — or George, as Lorenzo now refers to him. I shudder to realize their discussion likely included references to "beam me up, Scotty," and ended with best wishes to "live long and prosper."

He returned to our table grinning from ear to ear. Holding up his cellphone like a trophy on display, he proudly showed off his photo with Takei. I laughed and shook my head, feeling slightly embarrassed by his public delight.

Embarrassment turned to confusion as I watched several of our tablemates lose their minds over the photo. They asked Lorenzo to point them in the direction of Takei's table.

It honestly wouldn't enter my mind to have my picture taken with Takei. For my husband, it would be highly illogical not to snap a photo with this much-admired man.

It has made me think about who we value — what we define as notable or worthwhile.

Although I might not value Capt. Sulu's navigational abilities, I do respect Takei's unwavering effort to advocate for equality for every member of our society. Same person, different audiences.

His example makes me realize that I, too, have the ability to be different things to different people, making a difference in many facets of life. There is value in these efforts, whether in my private life or public profession.

Kind of makes me wish I had my own selfie with Takei as a reminder of this principle. Oh well. Live long and prosper.

Rhonda Cagle is a marketing and communications professional. Join the conversation at RhondaCagle.Wordpress.com, or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhondaCagleWriter or Twitter @RhondaCagle1.