Ah . . .
. . . those conversations in the checkout lane of the grocery store, whilst crossing paths in a parking lot, picking up clothes at the cleaners, sitting on a bench in a park, checking out a library book. These random conversations brighten my days and give me pause to ponder.
Take Thursday, for instance; a red-letter day for off-the-cuff conversations.
It started at the doctor’s office in the large center for health I go to for medical care, with easy access to labs, physical therapy, procedures, etc. I have happily graduated from a B12 shot every week to once a month. I am grateful for my doctor who dug a little deeper and found a deficiency. I am even more grateful for the remedy, not to mention my friend, Marilyn, who recommended this internist. The medical center is connected to a hospital that wraps around a substantial campus. I usually take a brisk walk when I’m there. It is amazing how many steps can be accrued, for those of us who count steps, and especially nice in winter or inclement weather.
I digress.
After my appointment, I found a chair in the hallway and sat down to turn on my cell phone and check messages. As I sat there, a man turned the corner, a big smile on his face He looked at me. He had tears in his eyes along with that big smile as he blurted out “I just have to tell someone. I am so blessed. I just found out I don’t have prostate cancer!” He was overwhelmed with relief, an emotion I know well enough. I got up, acknowledged his news and feelings, and we headed to the elevator, where he had kind things to say to all of the passengers riding down to the main floor. He thanked me for listening as we parted ways.
We are sometimes put in just the right place to accept others good news.
I embarked on my hospital corridor walk-about, and then stopped in the gift shop. A rather robust woman, colorfully attired, caught my eye and she said “You really look good today. Very modernly dressed. Good color on you.” Well, now, how about that! I stood a little taller, edged my shoulders back, and thanked her profusely. Such kindness from a stranger gave me a bigger boost than a B12 shot!
We are sometimes put in just the right place to accept the generosity of others.
Heading home, I needed a few things from the grocer; fruit, greens, a can of tomatoes for the evening meal; items I thought I had in the pantry, but, discovered that I did not. I pushed my cart, picking up some coffee and a loaf of Italian bread as well as the items I came for and walked to the cashiers. A young man was standing at his register with no one waiting in line, so, I altered that scene, placing my purchases on the conveyor belt. As I wrote my check (I know. I’m a dinosaur. I still write checks) I asked the young man what the date was. He told me then said he couldn’t wait until Sunday. “A special day for you?” “Yes. My birthday and now I won’t have to bother anyone anymore“. I thought, by his looks, that he was turning 21 and looking forward to a celebratory night out. “Happy Birthday, enjoy – and you be careful” to which he retorted “Oh, I have to work on Sunday. I’m just happy I won’t have to call for a legal aged checker to ring up liquor anymore“.
We are sometimes put in just the right place to be reminded to not jump to conclusions.
How about that?
Have you had a chance conversation lately over a cup of coffee, waiting in line,
Image. Town Meeting by Martha Walter
My husband says I will ‘speak to anyone’ and it’s true I absolutely will. I sit on a bench somewhere and people come and tell me their life history. Occasionally I have lovely book conversations in the library, or someone at the supermarket checkout will chat. I think the last one was in the chemist a few weeks ago, waiting to pick up meds for my husband. A woman sat beside me and told me about the problems she has with her teenage son who has learning diffculties. I believe these kind of chats help people with problems… maybe they have no one to talk to or maybe pouring it all out to a stranger helps them get it straight in their head. I don’t know but I honestly have no objection to listening whereas I know many don’t care for it. I so enjoyed reading your post, Penny.
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I think you are right when you say “a stranger helps them get it straight in their head”. The anonymity of a stranger, who has nothing to lose or gain, can be easier than a relative or close friend. I’m sure you gave the woman with the teenage son a gift by listening. Sometimes, all someone need is to be listened to.
I have gleaned some good book recommendations having a random chat in the library.
Thank you, Cath.
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I know just what you’re talking about Penny, I love those chance encounters. Just like yours they sometimes seem to happen in clusters – or maybe we are just more aware on some days. This was a great post!
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Thank you, Janet.
As I sat here, reading your comment, the realization occurred to me that we were a chance encounter so many “moons” ago. I’m so grateful for that.
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Wow. Those were all very positive encounters. Usually when I’m in a checkout lane, someone turns to me to complain about how slow the cashier is! 🙂 Or the cashier might complain about a difficult customer! But your encounters remind me of how we need each other–even strangers sometimes.
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There was much more of the complaint encounters you reference where we used to live. When we moved here, we really noticed a difference, particularly with cashiers. Thinking about your latest blog post, I think it goes back to diversity. We live in a much more diverse area here. I wonder if that has something to do with it. Then, again, I’ve been known to talk to just about anybody. 🙂 Thanks, L. Marie – I really enjoyed your last post.
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i’ve always loved talking (and listening) to strangers — i think it is important to acknowledge our shared human-ness… . I was glad I’d had practice in being open to new people when we traveled and lived in an RV for all those years. We wouldn’t have talked to anyone except each other if we’d been afraid to strike up conversations with strangers . We got to know some interesting characters — and some of those strangers eventually became friends!
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I can just imagine the friendships, some long-term, some fleeting, that you made while you were on the road, Sallie and I just love your description of “shared human-ness”. I love that! We are all travelers on the road of life, and each have our own life story to share. Thank you, Sallie. I was glad to see your name pop up here and on your blog. Enjoy your day.
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These chance encounters always perk me up and I feel better. What a great post Penny, I always enjoy reading them but not always on time.
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Oh, Gerlinde, I completely understand. I have been late to many of your posts. What is nice is that we can always visit through comments and better-late-than-never.
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What delightful interactions Penny. I’m sure it’s your friendly face that invites them, as well as your open heart.
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You are so kind, Juliet. Thank you.
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