KIND WORDS

It's not often people in a hustle and bustle busy world stop to chat.  More concerned with the next item on busy "to do" lists, greetings and personal exchanges are usually brief, particularly among strangers.  But every once in a while someone is out-of-the-ordinary friendly and genuine.  In a "reality television world" it's nice when someone is sincere.  I recently had an encounter that made me think there's still hope for a kinder, gentler society than what we often see or read about in today's world.

I had just picked up some catfishing supplies from a small, local sporting goods store on my lunch hour.  As I headed for the door I noticed an older, unassuming gentleman in a wheelchair sitting nearby.  I nodded and said, "Hello" as I passed.

He responded with, "How's your new puppy doing?" 

I stopped in my tracks.

I've written several articles about the passing of my beloved black Lab, Mag, last summer.  I've also chronicled the challenges of starting a puppy, one of his offspring, in the ways of retriever training.  I assumed this gentleman had read some of those articles.

"He's doing well," I said as I turned around.  "He's got a ways to go to catch up to his ol' man, though."

"I'm sorry to hear about your old dog," he said with compassion.

We chatted for a bit about dogs, fishing and the like.  Although our conversation was brief it was truly refreshing as well as rewarding.  The gentleman was pleasant and sincere.  And the fact he initiated a conversation to talk about something near-and-dear to me was indeed humbling.