If you're lucky enough to be driving down Lakemont Avenue in Winter Park at 9:33 in the morning, you might see a guy walking along--in a white t-shirt, brown pants, and a blue, ball cap. He kind of shuffles as he moves, a little bit here and there. What's distinctive about him is his wave; every car, every person, everything he sees that passes with life, he acknowledges.
As I saw him this morning on my way to my Cardiology/Neurology appointments, I couldn't help but appreciate the human spirit and how we all just want to connect with somebody. For some, that connection comes in the form of family dinners. For others, it arrives via chance encounters with the mailman, the pizza delivery guy, or the gas attendant at Costco.
Several mornings, I've passed him...each time giving an extra wave...for the car in front of me and the car behind...just in case they don't happen to be looking. This morning, I also topped it off with a beep. Not a BEEEEEP! A pleasant beep, beep...the kind that says: "Hi. I'm here. I see you."
I love that guy. I don't even know him, but I love him. And one of these days I'm going to walk beside him, break out some sneakers, and go down the street, just so we can wave together.
Somehow, just keeping him in the back of mind today, made everything better. It was an annoying morning/afternoon (comical visit to the Neurologist/tiring stress test/chest x-ray/EKG/3 hour wait to see the Cardiologist), but it started/ended nicely...mostly due to his greeting, a good meal, time with friends, and an unexpected surprise...a beautiful piano serenade from my new favorite musician Lisa.
I appreciate all of the different connections I made today--with food, music, x-ray techs, old men, friends, and my emotions. In hindsight, even my annoyance with the Cardiology office was a blessing. It's been a long time since I had the energy to be angry. Good to know there's still fire in my belly. Also nice to know I can recover...
Altered Today: Heart/Head Concerns, Friendships, Lyme Awareness, Standing Up for Myself as a Patient.
Pssst....Getting stronger by the minute. Five days with no nap and counting. Go Rocephin...GO!!!
This post made me smile and huge smile! Not only because you're feeling better, but because my heart was touched by the story about the man. I'm a big sucker for kindness and compassion. Thanks for sharing this with us, Kathy!
Posted by: Laina | 06/15/2011 at 04:08 AM
Sounds like you are feeling better, Kathy...so happy to know that! I love wavers, too. My sweet little Carter says "hi" to everyone and has since he was one. I really try to encourage his friendliness, even when people are too busy/rude/ignorant to return the greeting of a 3-year-old. Sometimes it makes me sad, but it never seems to dampen his spirits!
Posted by: Robyn | 06/15/2011 at 10:54 AM
Go Rocephin GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Posted by: Melissa | 06/15/2011 at 09:40 PM
LOL
Posted by: Alter Everything | 06/15/2011 at 09:40 PM
One day I am going to gather all of my favorite people so we can all go out walking and have a wave parade. Robyn, Carter can lead the front and Laina, you can round out the back with the old man. Melissa and I will run back and forth between the front and the back doing cartwheels and back handsprings. Can't wait to do this SOON!
XOXOX
Posted by: Alter Everything | 06/15/2011 at 09:47 PM