What I Saw this Week….
Story I
I turned right onto a two-lane road that is one of two roads that brings people in and out of Mill Valley. I noticed immediately that a young woman had stopped in her lane and was running to assist an older woman who had tripped and fallen off the curbed sidewalk. Without regard for the cars behind her or her safety and inconvenience, she had stopped and jumped out of her car to help this older woman to her feet. I was now looking for a place to park so I could assist. The second thing I noticed was a woman two cars back from the scene of the fallen woman. She was perturbed that something was holding up traffic. She was now delayed for some important thing... Aside from noticing the insensitive reaction of this woman another thought crossed my mind…. What is the character trait that causes an individual to take a risk for the potential benefit of someone else? What makes a person willing to give of themselves to help others? The more common reaction was the woman two cars back --- inconvenienced and uncaring. Caring is often acknowledged but in a way that underscores how unique it is. We expect and are not surprised at the behavior of the woman two cars back – angry and self-important, upset that the world had bothered to delay her from her pedicure.
Story II
I was in a little French restaurant having lunch. I went to the bathroom before ordering. In the stall, I heard a father and child. The father was helping his probably 5- or 6-year-old navigate the intricacies of going number two in a public restroom. I remember this with my children. Some people might find this an unpleasant part of the growing up process. I found those moments to be rather fun even entertaining. Just as I had done, this father was having a really interesting conversation with his little boy. They were talking about their schedule and sports. The father was giving patient instructions on the methodology of going to the bathroom, what was necessary to do, what paper to use, and how best not to fall in. it was quite humorous. I remember those times of the very early stages of a five-year-old becoming an adult. Just the idea of performing this ordinary function providing the platform for a humorous interaction between father and son is so precious. These are not the big moments we celebrate, no, these are the truly special moments that should always be celebrated because they are fleeting and can escape our attention.
Story III
I took myself to dinner at Valette, a recommendation by my good friend Greg Ryan. He and Daisy own the fabulous restaurant Bell’s of which I have written. At my table, an older man approaches, he is somewhat unsteady with a glass of red wine held at an angle between his midsection and waistline as if it is supporting both. I am unsure who he is as my table is outside seating along a sidewalk. I thought he could be just wandering by. But he is not just any guy, he is the owner, Bob proceeds to tell me that his grandfather started the restaurant and now his four children run it along with another restaurant nearby. As I was alone, he spent a good deal of time telling me his story. What made this so pleasurable was the knowledge that he was still working., moving from table to table making sure all of his guests were taken care of. He was not sitting at home; he was out in the field doing what he likes best. He was proud of his restaurant, proud of his children and I was proud of him for keeping the candle lite and burning bright
Story IV
I Live in a small apartment on Main St. When I walk out to get my morning coffee, I am on the street immediately. 7:30 am the garbage is being picked up from the two restaurants next door to this entrance from living quarters to the world. Garbage collection is a hard job and the people that do this job are often treated at arm’s length for whatever judgmental reason one might have. However, for me, this is a special moment of the day because the gentleman performing this job is an amazing breath of fresh air. He is the perfect guy to welcome you to the day. He and I fist bump and chat it up. Our conversation is loud and friendly. We are genuinely glad to see each other and welcome the fact that the bridge that might divide us does not exist. Today, was special as he had his son with him. Introduction all around and more lively, fun chatter. His son walks into the coffee shop with me to buy two sandwiches for him and his father. May I ?, I asked. No no, I have this he said. It would be my honor – your money is no good here I said with a smile. He laughed and let me buy the sandwich. It’s nice to have friends with that you can do little things….
One week…... I was paying attention……