He looked over at my newspaper and said, "I can't read that" This was just before he handed me his card. On it was printed: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - President."But I was really good in math", he said. And I was in the two year Occupation Course in High School. He said this just after he mentioned his company grossed 1.5 million on a recent contract.
What struck me most was his gift for storytelling and his confidence. He mentioned he had two teachers who made an impression on him when he was a student and believed in him.
The little story above is a true one. It happened this morning at my usual breakfast spot. I'm not usually awake and ready for conversation at "oh dark early". I usually bring along a book or the newspaper to read. But this morning was different. I asked if this gentleman would survive the day after I heard a groan from the booth behind me. He said, "Yes, I think so, my arthritis has been acting up".
What followed was a conversation about life, really. All in just a few moments. You know the ones, those chance meetings where you exchange pleasantries with another person. It got me thinking. Especially the part about knowing by name (first names and last names) the specific teachers who had assisted him and believed in him when he was in school. It brought me back to this week when I met a young 2nd grade student, who just might grow up to have "President" on his card.
He was interested in all that I did the minute after I walked in to the classroom. He assisted, offered suggestions and just plain had an awareness of what I was all about during my visit.
Connections. We are all trying to make them as we navigate life's ups and downs. I made a connection this morning and one earlier this week and I was better for it.
As I was finishing my breakfast and reading the last article I had planned on reading, my server asked if I'd like another cup of coffee. I said, "No thank you" She added... " Oh, _ _ _ _ _ _ paid for your breakfast". After a pretty rough week I tried not to show that I was welling up a bit. Put the glasses back on and keep reading, I thought.
Then I thought about _ _ _ _ _ _ . He wouldn't be able to do what I was doing. Reading. But he is good at math and has "President" on his card.
Then I thought about _ _ _ _ _ _ . He wouldn't be able to do what I was doing. Reading. But he is good at math and has "President" on his card.
Note: I took this photo of a man on a Penny Farthing at a rodeo parade in Deadwood, Colorado in 2006. It has absolutely nothing to do with this post, I just really like the photo.
