Oh Bother!
take courage
you might be surprised!
as I continue
to exercise
my
quiet disruptor muscles
I find
others
longing
to be
disrupted
who knew?
I’d learned
keep head down
do not be
a bother
On yesterday’s trail walk I met 87 year old Ray. Henny sat when instructed so that we’d avoid any unfortunate scenario of exuberant Labrador topples old man on leaf strewn path.
Handcrafted walking stick and legs stopped.
“Let the dog say hello,” he said.
“She’s a jumper—might not be a good idea,” I replied.
“It’s okay—my son has two dogs just like her.”
Henny rose onto her hind legs like a circus bear as we approached. I held her at a safe distance and Ray got a pat or two on her head before I called operation dog meets old man to a halt. Then dog laid down and shredded a few sticks while we chatted. In just a few minutes I learned about Ray’s sons and grandchildren, his daily walking habit, how he handcrafted his walking stick, and where all of the park’s good resting benches are located.
When we parted Ray commented, “You know, people and dogs are similar. Some will keep their noses to the ground and others will stop and greet you.”
Half a mile or so further along, I saw a woman and man standing just off the trail. They were looking at a phone together. I suspect if I’d not bothered, they’d have paid me no mind.
But…bother I did. After my Hello got their attention, they returned in kind.
“Taking senior photo,” mom said.
“Ahhh…doing it yourself…good idea,” I said and recalled my own son’s senior photo shoot. The photographer generously offered to include me in a few shots. I cherish one photo in particular where I am looking up at my tall kid. It appears I’m laughing.
“Would you like me to take a photo of the two of you together?” I asked mom and son in button down plaid.
“No thank you, we’re okay,” they replied.
I pressed—I bothered.
She might have learned not to be a bother, too?
“Are you sure?”… and I told the story of my cherished photo.
“Nah, we’re…well, okay. I’m not really dressed for it,” mom said as she started removing her winter coat and the work tags from around her neck.
With her iPad, I took two photos.
Then, Henny and I went home.
Happy that we bothered.
Will to power…the desire to feel new emotions…you might appreciate Zat Rana’s letter.
this is beautiful Gail, thank you : )