Tuesday:) Toni’s Talking to Strangers Again

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” ― Anonymous, Holy Bible: King James Version

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Today, I was asked to go over to Towne Creek Senior Apartments where I volunteer to be interviewed. The director said that the RHF Housing folks from California wanted to interview some residents and volunteers and ask them about the complex and the people. Well, you know me. I like to talk, so I said sure.

When I arrived, I didn’t realize that it was going to be video taped by professionals. I wore a little microphone, just like a TV celebrity. Cool! When they asked how long I’d been volunteering teaching art, I shared my story about how I journal every day, so I was able to look up when I started going. It was August 31, 2007. So, it’s right around ten years now. 

The folks interviewing me were total strangers, but I felt comfortable, especially since the lady asking the questions said that she had heard so many wonderful things about me over the years. She asked me to share a little bit about the art shows and guests that I had brought in to visit, including the mayor, and author, and other artists.

The last and most poignant question was, what would you like to tell people about Towne Creek and what you do? I said that the beautiful men and women that I’ve gotten to know have become like family.  But, I’d like people to know how much joy you bring to an elderly person who might not have family or friends nearby, and a few hours of your time can enrich their lives so much. The best part is, then you are blessed tenfold and the joy YOU receive is immeasurable. Strangers become best friends.

After the interview, I noticed my friend Karen’s car waiting by the back door. I forgot, it’s Tuesday. She picks up 91’year old, Miss Eleanor, and takes her to lunch almost every Tuesday. Another visitor who became a friend story. Anyway, I scooted out the door and asked, “Where are you girls going?” They couldn’t decide, so I suggested Braum’s Ice Cream. Yeah! I met them over there.

Here’s the really cool part. While I was waiting in line for my double scoop turtle sundae, I started talking to the man in line next to me. He said, “Oh, that looks good. What is that?” I explained and he said that he should get that too. Then, he ordered a root beer float. I asked him, “I thought you were going for the turtle sundae.” He explained that it had way too many calories. I replied, “Life is short! Enjoy! Go for the sundae.” He pointed to his non-existent belly and said he couldn’t. We laughed. 

He was checking out and paying when the girl at the register said, “One root beer float, one turtle sundae.” I chimed in and said, “No, no! That’s my sundae. I don’t even know this man. Well, unless he’s treating, then we are best friends.” Well, this kind man told the girl to put my sundae on his bill. I huffed and I puffed and said, “No, no! I was just kidding.” Then he turned to me after he paid anyway and said, “Life is short. Enjoy!” He also said that it was his last day in town. He was leaving tomorrow for Puerto Rico to help with the relief effort. 

Sometimes God sends you angels and kind people to show you that the world can be a wonderful place. “When you are kind, you are blessed tenfold.”

This is my new friend Rudy. I went over and gave him a big hug and said what I always say, “Selfie Time.”

There are no strangers, just best friends that I haven’t met yet,

Wednesday:) Words of Wisdom~ Don’t Talk to Strangers ~ NOT

“We sometimes encounter people, even perfect strangers, who begin to interest us at first sight, somehow suddenly, all at once, before a word has been spoken.”

~Fyodor Dostoevsky*******************

Back home to McKinney today. My sister took me to O’Hare early this morning to catch my flight to Dallas. No traffic jams, and we arrived in record time, so I had two hours before my flight boarded. I like to get to the airport early so I can 1.Not stress about being late 2.Relax and have some breakfast 3.Talk to strangers and meet new people.

I printed out my boarding pass at the kiosk, tsa approved, so I got through security in just a few minutes, THEN, when I went to get my bag off the rollers, there on the floor, right at my feet, was a lucky penny. (Good sign.)

I walked through the crowds and over to the food court, stopping at McDonald’s. With my brown bag with Golden Arches in hand, I scouted around to see where I would sit. Here’s what I always do at the airport…I look for someone sitting alone, and I go over and say, “Do you mind if I join you?”

I saw a gentleman with an airport employee badge on who just sat down. When I asked to join him, he was more than cordial. I introduced myself, and he said his name was Ray. Ray, a baggage handler, was on his lunch break at 9:30 a.m. I asked how he was doing, and he said tired. He started work at 4 a.m. 

(Ray had his serious selfie face on here, but he mostly had a wonderful smile when we talked.)

Ray and I talked a long time about family, work, Chicago, McKinney, hopes, dreams, faith, and more. It’s amazing how you can get to know a person pretty well in less than an hour. Subtle cues, gestures and words tell a lot about a person. Ray was very polite and called me Mam when I asked to sit down. He stood up to shake hands upon introduction. Before he started eating, he folded his hands and said a prayer before he ate. He smiled and joked and was open and honest when we talked, sharing stories about his life and his family. So, within a short time, I met a man of faith, a caring father, a man who admitted to having a turbulent troubled youth, but now blessed with a good happy life. Conclusion: a good, kind, sincere, hard working, optimistic, honest man of faith.

That’s why I like to talk to strangers. Everyone has an interesting life. Everyone has an interesting story. You’ll never hear that story unless you talk to them. It was a pleasure to meet Ray. We shook hands and said goodbye, wishing the other a good day. I said, “Take care Ray. Maybe I’ll see you next time I visit Chicago.” 

It was a good day, smooth flight, and safe arrival. My friend Karen picked me up at the airport, we stopped for an early dinner, and caught up on the latest news. 

When I got home, I unpacked, which entailed pretty much just throwing all the laundry in the washer. Then, I went for a long needed walk. I talked to a few neighbors on my journey, and caught the evening sunset. The sun was out till well after 8p.m. Because it’s the first day of summer.

It’s good to be home. Happy First Day of Summer!!!

Tuesday: Trains, Planes and Automobiles

“Each time you say hello to a stranger, your heart acknowledges over and over again that we are all family.” ― Suzy Kassem

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Saturday evening, I took the Metra train into the city to meet my son. There was a 30 minute delay because of a police matter at one of the stops. It was Fourth of July, I could only imagine the dilemma. 

When the train finally arrived, it wasn’t crowded, as it was only the second stop on the route. I plopped down by a window , then a lady about my age sat down next to me. I said hello, and we started chatting. 

After a few minutes, I thought, duh, I didn’t even introduce myself. Her name was Ina. She was meeting her son downtown and they were suppose to go to the ball game, but now running late. I told her about the upcoming wedding of my eldest son, and I was going to meet my younger son for the weekend. 

Long and short, Ina and I shared our lives and stories on our hour long train trek. Turns out, Miss Ina is a physical therapist who frequently visits patients at Mom’s place at the Greens of Elgin. Before our last stop, we became Facebook friends. Such a sweet lady. 

“HI MISS INA!!!!”

  
I absolutely love talking to strangers and meeting new people, and making new friends. 

It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Ina. Keep in touch.