In 2013, I came to Manhattan trying to find a literary agent for my book Dreams on a Swing.. I had been there many times, as far back as 1956, but there is always something new to see.
Now, New York is a really big city, and loved by many of us as the place to make our dreams come true.
One very long afternoon, I was tired after asking in many offices and stores—to no avail– if I could speak to even one agent or publisher. I found that things had changed in the book business. They even told me I needed a personal recommendation just to make an appointment with an agent!
So I was frustrated, exhausted, but still happy about my visit and eager to see the New York sites I had not seen before. One of these “must-see” spots is Trump Tower , they said! Well, I thought, that’s a good idea, I’ll just rest up, have an espresso, and organize my next day’s schedule around a comfortable place. And Trump Tower has a big, sumptuous lobby with a majestic stairway to heaven rising up from the ground floor.
With one hand holding my cup of espresso and my coat and portfolio in the other, I must have looked a little like Lucille Ball on the old TV show– very disheveled and disoriented! Then a very tall man came over to my rescue, pulling up a chair for me and taking my coat to help me sit down. I recognized him, of course, but did not even have time to grab him adn beg him, “Help me find an agent!”
I was too late. He departed quickly, saying goodbye with that big smile so typical of Mr. Trump—today, President Donald Trump. Obviously there were many people waiting to see him, and he was a very busy man! But all I could think at the time was, “Damn! Why didn’t I speak to him when I had the chance!”
It was a day I will remember for the rest of my life.
The Ludmila Confessions 
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