I still reflect back on this experience when I’m strolling through a store and catch a friendly smile from a stranger. Small moments can have such big impacts.
Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.
It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.
-H. Jackson Brown Jr.
On my connecting flight today in Chicago/O’Hare airport, I sat at gate F11, patiently awaiting my boarding call. As I sat there ‘people watching,’ I saw this elderly man approaching me with a big smile on his face and a partially eaten grilled cheese sandwich in his hand. I politely smiled back as he asked, “Do you mind if I fight with you for awhile?” I started to laugh and replied, “Well, sure — why not?” As he took a seat next to me, he proceeded to ask, “What should we fight about?” I continued to laugh as I told him, “Whatever is on your mind.”
Bill, an 84 year old retired architect, happened to have a four hour lay over in Chicago and was simply looking for some company. Little did Bill know that he would become a bright spot in my day. What a pleasant conversation we had about where we were from, our families, occupations, health, travel, hearing aids and the list goes on. I must say that we laughed a lot during our time together, with a number of glares and stares being thrown our direction.
Actually, the hearing aid conversation was hysterical. He told me to plug my ears and count to five out loud. Of course I hesitated, but how could I say no to this dear old man. So, there I sat in the gate area plugging my ears and counting out loud. After I concluded, he said, “Did you hear the echo?” I smiled and said, “Yeah.” Bill then proceeded to explain, “That’s what it’s like wearing these things — and sometimes the problem is people just talk too fast. $1500 for these.” I remember just sitting there and staring at this precious man and thinking “Bless your heart.” Actually, I’m almost certain that I even said it a couple of times. He was such pleasant company.
Knowing that I would be boarding shortly, Bill said, “Ya know — I look for the smiles. I like people who have graduated from the School of Smiles. You smiled back at me…. You see, that’s when I ask a question and the response tells a lot about the person. If someone doesn’t want to talk to me, that’s okay.” I told him that I couldn’t agree more.
I’m glad Bill picked me out of that crowded gate area to chat with. I felt as though I was sitting with my grandfather catching up on life. Both of my grandfathers passed away when I was very young, so I never really knew them — which allowed me to have a greater appreciation for this moment with Bill.
I can’t help but reflect upon one of my favorite quotes by Cesare Pavese: We do not remember days, we remember moments. I may not remember Tuesday, August 2nd, 2005 but I will always remember the pleasant conversation I had with Bill at gate F11. Make every moment count!
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Claire @ a little something in the meantime . . . says
Very sweet and a great reminder, Kelly.
Even though I've never actually "met" you, I can certainly tell from the personality of your writing why Bill would have picked you and your smile from a crowd.
You have been nothing but lovely to me since I started blogging and it is very much appreciated!
Have a wonderful day full of smiles from strangers 😀
Nat and Holly says
Kelly, what a sweet story!! I love it when things like that happen. This printable is fantastic 🙂 Thank you for sharing it with us!
Nat and Holly says
I tried to download the printable, and it said the file was corrupted… I don't know, it might just be me 🙂 But I wanted to let you know in case other people were having the same problem. This is so stinkin' cute!!
noni says
Hi! so I have noticed alot of blogs eventually move to wordpress and I wonder, why? Personally I love how easy it is to follow thru GF since Iam not very computer savy as most. Maybe you can tell me what would be the easiest way to follow you that would be the closest to GF? Cus I really like your blog! =)
{Adventuresindinner} says
It’s amazing the impact that we can make just by a little conversation. Are you liking wordpress? I’m almost there (just a couple of days left C:)
Dana {crafted niche} says
Kelly! I had tears in my eyes reading that. What a sweet story! Bill sounds like the kind of man those of us that have lost our Grandpas would love to have. I love those chance encounters that have a lasting impression. 🙂 thanks for sharing!
Evelyn says
I totally love this story. I love older gentlemen:) My hubby says its a good thing because he is almost there.
And a special thanks for making me aware of “no reply commenter” You have tutored me well, I have corrected it and yes, what a difference in connecting with all my bloggy friends. Thanks so very much for taking the time.
Melissa Edwards says
Thanks so much for sharing this moment! I am going to share some smiles!
Laura @cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot.com says
Kelly,
What a great story! I’m glad you had a positive airport story to share. It seems most of the time, airport stories are of the horrendous, I can’t believe how awful this way nature. And Chicago is notorious for delays!
Thanks for sharing,
Laura
Four Sisters says
What a beautiful story – just reading it brightened my day!
Thanks for sharing at Beautify It Monday – Come back and see us soon!
-Four Sisters
andie says
so sweet with such a great message! thanks so much for linking it up to tip-toe thru tuesday!
Melissa says
This is such a nice saying!
Your story is so lovely – my Grandad is 94 years old, and I love talking to him! =)
Lolly Jane says
Love this! THANKS for sharing! XOXOX
Lina says
Great sentiment and printable. I love.
Thanks,
Lina @ Fancy Frugal Life via TT&J party
kristine says
What a GREAT printeable! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I love this printable Kelly and what a great post! Love your story and really makes me think of my grandfathers who have both passed away. Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!
–Trish
Belle says
Very sweet and a good reminder!
Kristine@TheFoleyFam says
SO sweet girl!! I totally agree with you!! YAY for friendly strangers 🙂 XOXO
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
Just discovered this post through Pinterest. What a great story!!! Thanks for sharing it. I’m sure it will be a wonderful warm memory you’ll always treasure.
Kelly says
Awww. Thanks so much, Diane! It’s certainly a treasured memory. Wishing you all the best. Hugs!