Gary Calhoun

            Those that know me well and have been in my home have been introduced to my fascination with Marilyn Monroe. Whatever room was carved out as my home office served as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. In the first home I ever owned the room was spoken of as the “Marilyn Monroe Room”. The walls were tastefully covered with movie stills and publicity shots of Marilyn Monroe throughout her career. There was a sampling of magazines featuring Marilyn Monroe on the cover on tables in the room. As time went by the movie stills were replaced with poster sized photos and original art work featuring Marilyn Monroe. The collection evolved to include porcelain figures and various memorabilia.

            It is unlikely anyone visiting the evolution of Marilyn Monroe rooms could ever understand the lifeblood of the fondness for Marilyn Monroe. The art hanging from the walls and artifacts scattered about the room offered little clue to the nature of connection. As would most, the assumption would be connecting to Marilyn Monroe as a sex symbol. Such an assumption is perfectly reasonable considering the stereotypical cultural legacy of Marilyn Monroe.

            The birth of my fascination with Marilyn Monroe began as a young boy in the late 1950s. I was at an age unencumbered by hormones. As an emotionally precocious boy I connected with Marilyn Monroe in an unusual way. This connection would last a lifetime and be a steady beacon.

            If not a sexualized connection then what happened between Marilyn Monroe and this young boy? How was a lifelong bond sealed at such a young and impressionable age? Keep in mind this is a boy emotionally wise well beyond his years. You see, the connection with Marilyn Monroe grew from a complexity far beyond her Hollywood persona. As a young boy I marveled at Marilyn Monroe’s intelligence and fearlessness. The tabloids and adult gossip provided ample descriptions of Marilyn Monroe. For me the connection went beyond the typical celebrity fawning. Marilyn Monroe spoke to me through her eyes, poise, and if you will, her aura. Her impact was personal in a way words fail to explain. It is what some may call transcendent. There are times in life when the universe speaks directly to your most inner soul and leaves a mark. The experience is ineffable lacking in words that capture the impact. You can count yourself fortunate if the universe speaks to you and wise if you listen.

            How did Marilyn Monroe come to play such an imp0rtant role in this young boy’s life? For reasons beyond explanation, she became an inspirational example of rising from nothing to something. Marilyn Monroe came from humble and trying conditions. She was much smarter than people assumed. She moved through life facing her fears. With little formal education she pursued reading to fill in the gaps.  Marilyn Monroe was constantly underestimated in terms of her intellect and emotional depth. Here was an example of someone overcoming the odds. With all the reasons to be boisterous she exhibited a captivating humility. Marilyn Monroe became a lifelong ever present reminder that from nothing could come something.

            My Marilyn Monroe story is a reminder that we never know how beacons of inspiration will manifest in our lives. You may unknowingly become an inspirational beacon to someone and never realizing your impact. Marilyn Monroe never knew about the small boy with the soulful connection. You do not have to be a Marilyn Monroe to inspire others. Be mindful that as you move through life you create waves. Waves that will wash over others in ways you may have never imagined. Never underestimate your impact good or bad. It is up to each of us to put out more good than bad. The power is not in knowing the impact you may have but knowing you will have an impact. What kind of waves will you wash over others?