Every now and then your day gets the kindest surprise. I’m talking about that unexpected conversation that happens in line at the grocery store because you decided not to use the self check out, or, that person at the gas tank next to you decided to share a “hello” in the course of your day. When you travel a lot that’s what happens many times, but there are those “special times” that you always remember.
A couple weeks ago was one of those times for me. I was back in town ( Nashville, TN) and I had driven downtown to catch a baseball game at the new “Nashville Sounds” stadium with our oldest daughter who lives and works in Nashville now. I love baseball and I love her a little more:) , however, I was looking forward to a break and just relaxing for a couple hours. I love the new stadium by the way, it’s perfect. So, I got there early and sat across from the entrance at Von Elrod’s. The weather was really nice,, and the doors were open inside the bar and grill so I grabbed a stool at the bar, and did what everyone does…..got on my phone, and waited.
I noticed a couple sitting down beside me. I didn’t say anything at first. I was just in my own space and I felt they were in theirs too. However, we all do what I’m about to share next.. They say are minds make thousands of decisions and thoughts per hour or whatever it is….I don’t know for sure but what I do know is I had already decided this sweet couple were probably local, lived in the apartments close to the stadium, and were coming down, or walked down for the game. That was a logical thought. Then, it happened. I can’t even remember who started the conversation.
As it turned out, they just got to Nashville. They were traveling and living in an RV, and had been to 22 or 27 states. They actually met in Costa Rica because life took them there ( I believe I’m getting this right….it’s not like I had a notepad :) Anyway, we wound up talking for a good half hour or so. They were the best surprise of the day. I enjoyed listening to their story. How they met, things they did, and why they decided to sale what they had and travel for a while. I was engaged in real conversation which is what I love about meeting people on the road. The thing is, I was right there in town. In just a short few minutes we learned cool things about each other and it was much better than being on my phone the whole time.
As we finished our conversation, we become Instagram friends. I hope to see them again someday, and I certainly hope life on the road treats them well and they have many memories to look back on. I just have one over riding thought every time this kinda thing happens.
I wonder if we can get back to that more often….my parents or better yet, my grandparents remember a day when their front porch was that place. People actually came by unannounced and you talked with them on your front porch, and maybe invited them in, depending on what it was about, or where the conversation lead. Then we moved from the front porch to the sub divisions, to a text messages, and social media. Yeah, I know change is good. I’m just saying, there’s nothing like the real thing. So, cheers! to my “Nashville Sounds friends”
Say hey to your neighbor, you might find out something that changes everything…..or at the very least, reminds you we’re going down this road together.
Love you, Love you Big!