Wonka would BE PROUD

Jeremy deals with a family emergency while delivering a sweet performance

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Last month, I was in a high-powered meeting.

Okay, it was lunch. I was out of my depth and trying to seem influential in front of some high-octane company. Then my phone rang.

It was my 14-year-old daughter. I’m ashamed to say I dismissed her call. I promised myself I’d get back to her as soon as I had finished the important story I was relating to the gathered captains of industry.

Seconds later, it rang again. There was no choice but to cut short my disquisition. Yes, I just learned this word, and it describes my long and boring analysis perfectly. In my most concerned voice, I said, “I must take this. Apologies.” There was an air of respect for the fact that company emergencies don’t stick to a schedule.