Today I am having a yard sale. Strewn about the lawn are old clothes, a space heater a lamp, a giant stuffed lion and about a million books and knick-knacks I don't need anymore.
I get a few good hits - jewelry sold, lots of books, a mini-sofa, among other things. Its nice out in the shade, and some people are prone to conversation.
Especially one older gent from across the street. I will call him Gregory.
He spent about 30 seconds skimming the books, and then he lamented that he loves to read but he can't seem to make out the small print anymore.
When there was no one else perusing my wares, he began to speak. And I loved everything he had to say. It began with him overhearing that I was moving south. He mentioned that there will be people that have very strong views, and how he didn't understand how people could be so insecure. His belief was that if you don't like something just walk away!
"I don't really get along with the Hispanics," he began, "But I don't insult them, you know? I go to a restaurant, and there are a lot of Hispanics, I just go to a different restaurant. There's nothing wrong with that. They just make me a bit uncomfortable, you know? I don't hate them, i guess they and me don't mix, you know?"
And then he looked at me. "I'm going to give you a bit of advice. Its good advice. I'm 75 years old you know, and I haven't lived so well that I can tell you how to live your life. You know, I'm not a millionaire, I'm not fancy, I've made mistakes too, you know? SO who am I to tell you how to live your life? My son, he's gay and he has a partner thats a man, and you know, its funny how people will treat him. Sometimes they'll be very nice to him, and other times, you know, I just don't understand people. That's not what life is about. Life your own life. Doesn't matter how other people live, that's them, you know?"
Thank you sir. You are a spectacular human being. I appreciate your existence. I wish there were more like you.
Oru
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