Can you hear me in the back? 8-)
Hope you all had a good weekend. Things here are progressing apace. Lots of small details to attend to this week: Next week, I'm burning up the last of my frequent-flier miles to visit my daughter in Hawaii. That should be fun.
In running errands the other day, I had a small parking lot encounter that helped me remember one of the reasons why I enjoy motorcycle riding.
I was at the supermarket, gearing up to leave (I always wear full safety gear), when an ancient guy tottered by, pushing a cart very, very slowly. He must have been in his 80's, and was not in good shape.
He was out and about--- props to him--- and he wasn't dirty, but clearly life's routine tasks, including personal grooming, were a major challenge. His clothes were messy and buttoned wrong. His hair wasn't combed. He'd missed parts of his cheeks when shaving, and had long tufts of scraggly beard-hair growing in odd places next to shaved areas. He walked with a slow shuffle.
We made eye contact, and he stopped--- not that the speed difference between his "stop" and "go" was all that great.
I could see his mind working to form a thought. Every action was slow and deliberate. His brow furrowed and his mouth worked. He slowly drew himself out of his stoop and turned to me.
"Nice bike," he said, in a rough, papery voice.
I said thanks, and asked, "Did you ride?"
He processed my question for a moment, looking at the ground, then raised his head and nodded yes. Maybe I'm projecting, but I swear there was a small spark in his eyes that hadn't been there before. His mouth worked and he clearly was gathering himself to say something.
"Be... be... be careful of them cars!" he said. He had to work to get the words out.
I gave him a thumbs up and he slowly turned, grabbed onto his cart and started shuffling away again, a small smile on his face.
I have no idea what riding memories he was enjoying, but I hoped he remembered being younger and full of life, going where and when he wanted, in a body that mostly did what he wanted it to do.
It was a nice moment, and if it weren't for the bike, it wouldn't have happened.
Kudos to the 80s guy for being out and about.
ReplyDeleteAnd kudos to you for lighting up his eyes and mind. Thanks for being who you are Fred and for the kindness you sow each day. You're a great example for all of us.
And you lit up my eyes as well...I rode a 1200 a little bit...long ago. "...cool wind in my hair."
Hi Fred
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean - it's one of the reasons I only ride a bike these days. There's something about being on a bike that triggers a response from many people. Not always positive but mostly so. I'm riding in the UK at the moment (moving to the US shortly) and frequently have moments like the one you described. I hope that's going to continue on your side of the water :)
I'll be based in SC but hope to have time to tour a bit. I'll watch out for the big yellow machine (with the shrinking rider) when I'm up your way...
Ride on and stay safe!
Bob E.
You write: "...when an ancient guy tottered by, pushing a cart very, very slowly. He must have been in his 80's,.....
ReplyDeleteAll people in their 80s aren't necessarily "ancient". Or are they?
Although well into my 80s, I teach computer classes, golf, live an active life. But I guess from your perspective, I am "ancient."
Sorry we no longer get your newsletters, but it is time you enjoy life.
No, indeed. Not everyone in their 80s is "ancient." In fact, 80 seems younger every year. 8-)
ReplyDeleteIt can go either way. I know people in their 50's who act 20 years older than they are; and other, older people who act as if they were 20 years younger than their real age.
But the guy in the parking lot probably *was* in his 80s, and he *was* in very poor condition. Those things don't always go together, but they sure did in his case.