today was one of those days.

one of those days when I ran from meeting to meeting.

used the F word way more than I should

because strange things kept happening.

I rushed from work to kid pick-ups (two places)

to my friend’s house to drop them off again

and as I was on my way to school for parent/teacher night

(parents only = no kids allowed)

I stopped into Subway to grab a sandwich.

And as I was rushing inside, I stopped short behind

an elderly gentleman who was walking so slowly I had to

force.my.feet.to.slow.down as it would have been rude

to cut him off.

I patiently waited for him to order his sandwich and

shuffle through the line. And since I was already

slowed down by that point, I decided to take 5 minutes

to eat my sandwich at the shop instead of in the car, even

if it meant being late to parent night.

I didn’t realize the seat I chose was at the table right next

to the same older gentleman, as he was off filling his drink.

as he sat down, our eyes met and he said “Hello ma’am!” in a voice

stronger than I expected.

I smiled and said hello.

And then we talked. Non-stop for the 8 minutes or so while I ate my

sandwich and apple slices.

I offered up the weather. he countered asking about my life.

I learned he was 87, about his 2 marriages (each lasting 30 years),

his children and great-grandchildren.

He asked about my kids, divorce, and my dreams for the future.

I walked out of that restaurant with a much slower heart and mind than

I walked in with. and I admit, with a few tears running down my face.

thanking God for putting this man in my path to force me to slow down,

to eat a proper meal and have some company.

and I didn’t feel the need to say the F word the rest of the night.