I was jogging in the pool (again) yesterday morning … bummed that I was not out running and getting stuck in the endless chatter of my mind (a major topic for future blogs), when I noticed a man come into the pool area. He was hunched over, thin and kept pulling up his trunks as he shuffled along the pool deck . He slowly showered and then lowered himself into the pool. I watched as he quickly and freely moved to the deep end . Were it not for the aging of his face, one would think he was a much younger man .. of say 50 (he was 80)!! Was I in the movie Cocoon? He jogged over and struck up a conversation. I found myself discussing the most amazing things with a stranger (I can hear the collective groan from my close friends)! We talked about how the little things that get us the most riled up are really just little things (tolerance) and that we should choose to be with people who are positive and “feed our soul” – cool words for an 80 year-old! He got out after a bit, thanking me for helping to distract him. (Really? I was going out of my mind until he showed up!) But before leaving he told me that he had an odd feeling that morning which forced him to come to this particular pool – something he never does. Maybe, he mused, it was to meet me! He made my day and the experience reminded me to keep my eyes open. You never know when someone is there to give you a “gift” (or you to them) …. you just need to start up a conversation!
Enjoy the warm weather and your conversations today!
theyearof50 