Last week I wrote about how people can be annoying sometimes,
and I’m sure that includes me as well. But after writing that story, I had two completely opposite experiences
that are helping shape me into a better person.
On Sunday my wife and I went shopping at our local grocery store. While we were in the produce department, my wife asked me to find some fresh strawberries while she went elsewhere. As I grabbed the first container of strawberries I saw (because of course I’m not much of a “shopper”) a lady stopped me and said you don’t want those strawberries. I just stood there with a blank stare like, “why are you talking to me?” But she went on to explain how these other strawberries are a better deal. Then she went on to explain about how her coupon cutting helps her save money. Then she went on to explain about which days are the best to shop to get the freshest produce. Then she went on about her grandson, and her bad back… and then she just went on and on for like forever. My wife saw what was happening and yelled over to me that she needed my help, and to hurry. So I told the elderly lady that I had to go and yet as I was walking away she just kept talking like I was still there. I felt bad for walking away, but was glad that my wife saved me because that was 15 minutes of my life I will never get back.
On Monday I went golfing at San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. After my round, as I was putting my clubs in my truck, I heard a loud but friendly voice behind me yell something. “Hey, did you have a good round?”. I turned around and saw this huge young man who was smiling at me. His hair was a mess, and his face was sweating, and he was missing a front tooth, but he was beaming like he had just won the US Open. I explained that, yes I did. I noticed his speech was slightly off, which when combined with the missing tooth, made his grinning smile even more engaging. He kept politely asking me questions and genuinely seemed concerned that I had a good time. He kept talking to me, and I kept listening because I was reminded of the lonely old lady in the grocery store. But this young man was different… in more ways than one. He was so upbeat and never stopped smiling. And he was so excited when he explained that he had just shot 41 for nine holes! I smiled and said, “Wow! That’s a great score on this course!” He then proudly told me how he was practicing for the Special Olympics.
We talked for quite a while, and then he put out his hand and said, “My name is Billy.” I replied, “My name is Joe." Billy said, “See ya Joe!”, and then got in his car to leave. I stood there and waved as an older man drove away with Billy, who kept excitedly waving back at me. But before I got in my car, I thought to myself, that was 15 minutes of my life that Billy "gave back" to me. And that is a lesson well learned!
