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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsOn a walk in a beautiful part of the town I met an old guy, whom I won't name.
His name was Joel,
divorced, age 71, he told me he purchased his house, that's all he got from the divorce,
but luckily it was in a prized part of town and is worth a lot more than what he paid.
He said, he still works, but from home. He loves where he lives, and he is apolitical.
Joel, if that what his real name is, I don't really know, said, I don't expect much from life
anymore, it's just me and my old dog, and I won't mention the dogs name, but she was a nice
dog, kind of looked like a sheep herder's dog, I'll call her Sally, that's what Joel called her.
Anyway, just meeting this fellow, saying hi, like one does, me and my dog walking in the same parkway,
trying to be nice and personable, this guy Joel tells me all about his life these days.
And I thought, man that's cool and quaint. Maybe there's something to learn here.
Anyway, after about half an hour transpires, and my dog is really bored on her leash and all.
This kind of thing happens all across the US these days like it's almost happenstance.
We all come across some person without really getting to know them because we are a bit afraid to really reach out.
And then, they start a chattering on and on, you know telling you all about their life and trying not to get too political, and their
story turns this way and that, and you can relate here and there, and you don't exactly connect, but still, you can kind or relate.
And the only thing you think is this.
When I see this guy, his name is Joel, and his dog Sally, or Sam, I need to say hi.
And, smile or at least wave.

no_hypocrisy
(52,201 posts)I love Prine, first, a great guitarist, people don't say, but mostly, all his lyrics that came so natural like.
Yes, real.
But, not me.
There are many like you and me.
We are all different than the next, hope we are honest and kind.
Short comings, lots, I don't wish to write, writing is imaginary
and fun.
Just being you. But I do know, it has its limits.
With me, sometimes when I read, I want to interject, I feel I must.
Well, don't we all.
Thanks for sharing the bit about John Prine.
Man, what a catalog of songs that dude gave the world!
Scrivener7
(56,308 posts)building and my neighborhood. If I see a new face on my floor, I get their names and make sure they're on the emergency alert system, and I and ask them to knock on my door if they need anything. I do it because we share a home and everyone here does these things. You see the same people in the park and walking around the stores, and soon you're talking. And they're telling you about themselves. And you're bonding with their dog. And you're helping them shovel their car out and they reciprocate. And someone needs a cat sitter but you're allergic so you introduce them to your friend who loves cats, and someone wants to share photos, and you find you're free for breakfast at the cafe the same Saturday morning as the cat owner and the cat sitter, and two people who can't motivate themselves to exercise start working out together, and someone is going through a hard time and needs a little help. And then YOU need a little help, and it's there.
It's a nice way to live.
I've been here for over 20 years, so I have my set people, but your OP reminds me to reach out some more. I'm sure there are more great people around here to connect with.
Thanks, and have a great day.
malaise
(286,298 posts)😀
