I work in the school district here in Dubuque, assisting families with coordinating services and working on issues that are family related, but which spill over into the school setting. This means that I am somewhat on call when a family is in crisis or needs a meeting to discuss options. On this morning I had a meeting scheduled at 8 AM to meet with a parent regarding the family’s issues.
For those of you that don’t know me, I am not a morning person. I’m not the “grumpy-until-I-get-my-coffee” type of person, heck, I don’t even drink coffee. Can’t stand the stuff. But, I am sometimes slow going if it’s work related.
So I got in my car, realized I should have worn a coat, and thought of the Midwestern winter that is right around the corner. It was cold, foggy, and just plain dreary. I got in my car, pulled out of the driveway, and began the trek to school, ready to battle the eager mothers rushing their kids to school.
The way to school took me on a busy walking street. That is, many people tend to use this long, straight road to meet their exercise needs throughout the day. At this hour the majority of the walkers are the elderly, the early birds getting the worms. I am a people watcher, so I always tend to look at each person as I pass. Nothing extraordinary so far, just walkers, looking even more unhappy then me, questioning their right of mind for walking on such a morning.
Anyway, as I continued to drive I recognized a walker. I don’t know this man. I have never talked to him. I don’t even know his first name. But for some reason there is a connection. You see, this man, no matter when I see him walking, always waves and has a great big smile on his face. And not just to me.
I remember the first time I saw him. I was going somewhere, most likely in a hurry, most likely with the impatient determination that I usually have when trying to get across town, and there he was. Waving as big as life to me. With a big smile. Almost as if he was encouraging me to cheer up.
The first thought I had as I passed, was the same that we all have when someone waves to us that we don’t know.
“Who the heck was that?”
But then, after some pondering, a quick look in the rearview mirror revealed that he gave the same big wave and the same big smile to everyone that crossed his path. At first I was a little disappointed. I mean, I thought his wave was meant for me and me only. Like God sent him down from the heavens above to have an intervention with my hurried, spastic headset. But then I realized the bigger picture. He was making everyone’s day.
So I saw him again this morning on my way to the meeting. Of course he was waving to everyone that went by, and again, like every time since the first, it brought a little joy to my soul on this dreary morning. In fact, after seeing him, you wouldn’t believe the disappointment I feel after passing other walkers. It’s like something is missing if they don’t greet me.
So here’s to you “Waving Man”. For making my day. For making many other days as well, I am sure. Thank you. And one of these days, when I’m not rushing to here or there, I will stop and thank you Waving Man. God bless you.
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