We, daughter and I, went on a journey across this grand old State this last weekend. After about four hours of driving, we reached the bridge where we were to meet a stranger. Along the way, there were many stop signs and changing lights. At one particular intersection, we spied a young man approaching our intersection. It was obvious this young man had a few problems. But, when he was about ready to cross in front of us he stopped. He didn’t just stop though. He made a small jump into the air and landed with both feet together. I chuckled a bit and commented “he surely put his brakes on”. He did indeed make us smile though.
Later on I began to wonder about this fella. You see, I too enjoy making folks smile. Was I the same as this young man? For surely, that is something I would have done just to get a smile from a stranger. Over the past few weeks, I enjoyed very much making one particular stranger smile. This became almost a ritual between us.
Any of you folks that have had the pleasure of journeying up Kennebago road recently would have spotted the actions going on there. You see there was quite a collection of Long Necked creatures along the side of the road. There was a large number of caretakers standing around in case of a problem. They seemed to always be busy swinging in the air and playing with ropes and wires. One would almost want to stop and watch their actions. But this would have only caused some sort of problem.
As you approached all of these activities that were happening, you had to either stop or go slowly. This is where my silly actions began to surface. The majority of those folks holding the stop or go poles seemed to be off in a sort of lala land. They did a great job of listening to their radio and turned the pole as instructed. Except for one tiny little person. They did as instructed, but they actually looked at us when we passed by. Thus began a simple game of making sure we got a smile or even a bit of laughter as we passed by. At one of the passing by events, I got the urge to stop and get their story. For surely, I saw sunshine every time they smiled and laughed.
The day came that I decided to stop and take the time to ask a bit about them. Sadly, the activities were all done, and they were gone from my life. I felt bad that I did not get their story. I had pieced together in my mind just what their life must be like. This job of turning that pole is not the most sought after job. It is usually one of those “oh well, I can get a job turning poles if nothing else”. I wanted to know more about them because they were indeed a rose amongst the long-necked machines. Yet, their body actions gave the sense of an adventurer, a true firecracker of an individual. Why are they here?
Now, you may think this is none of my business. And most probably you are right. I am the type of person who enjoys contact with strangers. This latest thirteen-hour trip was a great example of that. It seemed every time I stopped, I got into a friendly conversation with anyone there. The conversation usually got some smiles and laughter from all.
Is this trait one of old days gone by? I would hope not. This world does indeed need more smiles and laughter. Ken White mountainman COB
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