Met an elderly man in the hardware store recently, he was about 85 years old. We were both looking for something they didn’t have, as we both stared at the shelves in worlds of our own he apologised for being in my way. I laughed and said it was alright and that started us chatting. His wife had died 6 years earlier and he shared how much he missed her, how he like ‘most men’ and these were his own words, didn’t appreciate what he had when she was around. He signed, as he stated that she spoiled him and would do everything for him ‘oh how I miss her he said’.....the old saying ‘you never know what you got till it’s gone came spilling out my mouth and he laughed, ‘yes your right’ he said.
He asked me what I had been looking for I told him I was picking up a few bits for my mother who I look after. We talked for around half an hour dodging the other customers that walked past us, time was irrelevant we were in the moment. I learnt of his past, fighting for justice, a rebel with a cause in South Africa, fleeing to London, and talked about his childhood sweetheart he was forbidden to see and every now and then since his wife had died he wonders how she is and whether he should get in touch with her.
He then turned to me and told me I was a treasure, and how lucky my husband must be....would you like to get a cup of coffee in the cafe next door? I rain-checked and promised the next time that I saw him we would sit and chat.
How much time do we give to others to listen to what they have to say? He hadn’t spoke to anyone for a whole week, people just didn’t have the time and I was for him a breath of fresh air, just as he was for me – I was on automatic as I got on with the chores of the day until I met him! Being called a treasure reminded me of the light we all carry around with us that we can choose to let shine or turn it off as we get burdened with the pressures of life.
Making the most of every opportunity and relationships that come our way we need to seize life with both hands and live it to the full. When I get to 80 or 90 years old I want to be able to look back with fondness at all those memories, and those times that I stopped what I was doing and listened.
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You made a difference in that man's life that day. Who knows how far reaching that will be? We all learned a lot from reading your blog. thanks.
ReplyDeletethis is so sweet and what a wonderful reminder to us all
ReplyDelete"How much time do we give to others to listen to what they have to say? "
ReplyDeleteSO glad you shared this story. I used to be a firm believer/questioner of this but recently it slips my mind (Despite joining my profession for this reason)!
Sharing a smile or friendly hello can never hurt!
I find myself drawn to those people who truly listen--the ones who take time, make eye contact, smile encouragingly. I want so much to be that person for others but struggle with self-imposed time constraints. Thanks for sharing what a difference simply listening can make in a person's day.
ReplyDeletePam Williams
This is a nice reminder for us. Most of the time we hear others speak but we're not really listening.
ReplyDeleteSusan many thanks for your encouraging words.
ReplyDeletePhoenix, thank you for your visit.
Michelle, With all the technology today we can get lost in our own world!
Pam, thank you.
Mannoy, thank you for your visit
This is a beautiful and touching post. Taking time to speak and listen won't hurt any of us. In fact, we may have a better understanding of life and its true meaning. Be blessed, my friend, as you are a blessing to me and those around you. Cynthia
ReplyDeleteRecently I've lost the grasp of smiles, time for people and general happiness. It's always great reading stories like this, because it kind of gears you out of your funk from life events. I wish I could say I have done the same this week, but you've inspired me and I'm sure others :)
ReplyDeleteSara