I meet a great many people as I ride my carousel through life.
This has been an unusual week, however, with many unplanned stops along the way.
First, the heat. brutal and dangerous, not only to our bodies, but our emotions. Despite being warned incessantly by all forms of media to take necessary precautions, it was difficult to always remember to keep cool. Not only physically, but mentally. A challenging time.
And from my personal view, minor irritations seemed to magnify. If asked if I was superstitious, I would reply, "Possibly, a little bit." However, isn't that akin to being a little bit pregnant. So I guess I must admit, "Yes, there are moments when I am a mite irrational."
This past week provided many such opportunities. First, being without a telephone for six days took an emotional toll. But when two of my three TV sets stopped working, I became a bit foolish. Finally, when the handle came off my front door, I was no longer a rational human being.
Then three strangers entered my life, each separately restoring calm into my world.
Each independently provided not merely a service, but a human contact of courtesy, efficiency and frankly, kindness to an obviously frazzled woman no longer in the prime of her life.
If asked to describe them, I could only identify one by name. He was a man whom I had in my Cub Scout Troop more years ago than either of us cared to remember. I have not seen him since, but he recognized my name on the service call and responded during his lunch hour on a 100 degree day.
The other wore a helmet identifying him as a Verizon employee, whose expertise, courtesy and efficiency went above and beyond a job description. I could nominate him for Man of the Year.
The third was just a voice, a human male voice, who sounded like one of my Grandson's friends. He spent over 45 minutes guiding me on my cell phone with indescribable patience in resetting my TV set, obviously aware of its importance on a day too hot to venture outdoors.
If you to further ask for a physical description, I would have to reply honestly. As they would if asked to describe me. "She is beyond middle age, tall, dark hair and Caucasian" would be an accurate response.
And if asked to physically describe my helpers, I would say, "One was rather short, bald and white. One was close to 6', mustache and black, and due to his accent, the third possibly, Hispanic."
And then I would add, "And they were all great."
Beyond that, I would truly hope, if there was an additional need to describe me as a customer, they, too could answer, "She was grateful and pleasant"
I have been blessed with three sons, all living in distant cities. When describing them, I would answer with what I only only hope but truly believe. "They are all good men, honest, courteous and kind to all who pass their way. Exactly like three strangers who crossed my path this week."
Most of our encounters with others as we move through each God-given day are good ones. I truly doubt if the physical divide being fostered in our wonderful country is as valid as it is being portrayed.
And I sincerely believe I am right!
