Now, I just wrote about how Steinbeck had to be a friend who listens in order to bring his characters to life. I’m not so good at it. I like being alone, unless I’m with dear friends or people I’ve known a long time. And even then, there are times I’m not firing on all cylinders. I’m pretty good at throwing out the odd awkward phrase.
But here’s a story for you about being friendly. Very short. Maybe funny. It is to me, especially now.
I ride my bike to work most days. Even in this recent heat, and even knowing it’s a round trip with each leg separated by at least an eight-hour work day. And each day I ride pretty much the same route there and back, with the occasional variation. Not good anti-terrorism, force protection-wise (oh, all that training down the drain!), but I’m ready in other ways.
Doing this for so long, I noticed this year a group of four (sometimes five) little old grannies sitting on a bench in the shade along the way. They look to be in their 70s and 80s, but they’re still out there, even in the heat we’ve been having lately. Having passed them for weeks, I decided one day to glance over and give them a little smile as I went by. I don’t think they noticed. So one day I just decided just to outright wave. There was the one on the end who always seemed to look as I passed — maybe just watching the traffic, but at least somewhat attentive. So one day I just looked right at her and waved and I think I surprised her, and maybe puzzled her a bit too. But the next day, she waved back. And the next day, and most days after that, unless she was distracted.
Now, the funny thing is, after all these weeks, the rest of the gang has taken to waving too. And today when I passed by, one of them saw me coming and waved before I even passed them.
When we’re out on long rides over remote country roads, we’ll pass a dog or two every so often. They’r usually chained up by a small house with their food and water, looking bored. Of course a biker passing by is going to give them something to bark at. Every time they do, I just say, “You’re welcome.” We’re probably the most excitement they get all day, and I’m glad to provide the service. Now, I’m not saying the grannies are the same; but I like to imagine that they’re getting a bit of a kick out of this random guy blowing by on his bike (I’m never going very slow when I commute) and one day out of the blue just starts waving. I’d like to think I’m bringing something interesting to perk up the conversation. I mean, if I were sitting out in the shade chatting with my friends all day, anything interesting might help.
So when they wave back, I can’t help but think, “You’re welcome.”
