I'm getting softer, as I grow older.
Something happened today that needs to be told. I'll do my best to give this story substance, not sure I can.
I was in a new store this afternoon near Waco, Tx, one that isn't even open yet, finishing up our product set. As sometimes occurs, a customer walked in the front door. This person happened to be an elderly gentleman. One of the gals explained to him that the store wasn't open yet. I heard him say that he understood, but that he wondered if maybe someone could give him some directions, as he was lost. I turned around to look, and at the same time, three associates all pointed at me and said, "he can help you!"
I walked over, so that he didn't have to cross the store to me. I asked where he was going, and he said Dallas. Dallas is a BIG place, so I prodded him for a more exact location so that I could get him to where he wanted to go. He told me that he was actually headed to Rowlett. I told him not to worry, I knew where that was and could get him directions. I asked if instead of telling him, if he would like me to write it down. He said, "Young man, that would be wonderful! I don't remember as well as I used to". I smiled, mostly because of his gentle nature and genuine honesty. I know we'll all get to where he thinks he is someday.
As I was giving him the directions, and carefully writing them down so he could follow them, he was telling me that he was from Corpus Christi, Texas. I figured he was doing some Holiday traveling, but just for small talk, I asked him why he was headed to Rowlett.
What happened next was truly amazing!
He said, "Well, that's kind of a long story". He then reached into his pocket, took out his wallet and opened it up to a picture. It was a couple, obviously taken many years ago, but very well cared for considering its age. "You see this picture", he asked. I nodded. "This was taken in 1947, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I had just finished basic training from the Navy, and was there visiting a friend".
"That's you?", I asked.
"Yes, that's me, and a young lady that I was introduced to. We spent a couple days together, and then I went back to the Navy and spent 20 years there and retired. We went our separate ways, she married another guy, I married another woman, we raised families and never saw each other again."
I knew there was more.
He went on to explain that a couple weeks ago, he found her on Facebook through a mutual friend. Once they connected, she came down to Corpus Christi to see him. Now, he was taking her to Rowlett so she could spend Christmas with her daughter and her family.
I was speechless. What a wonderful story. For two people, to find each other, after all that time, and reconnect, was, well...............pretty special.
I went over the directions with him one final time, just to make sure this elderly prince would be able to deliver his princess to the designated place. We gently shook hands, and as I watched him walk away, I couldn't help but have a tear in my eye. My gaze followed him to his car, I guess just to make sure he got there. One of the gals in the store came up to me and asked if I was okay? I looked her, and really couldn't talk. The other two joined us and wanted to know what happened, so, I very quickly told them the story. And then I realized, I wanted to meet her too!
I headed for the door, just as he was backing out. I waved him down, and realized, all three girls had followed me out of the store as well! I apologized for stopping him, but said, "I just want to meet the young lady that you told me about". I went around to the other side of the car, the girls all talked to him, while I introduced myself to her. I asked if she was going to be able to read my writing and be his navigator, she said she was. I took her by the hand and told her that he had told me the story of how they met and then reconnected, and I told her that it wouldn't have been complete to have not met her as well. She thanked me, for being so kind, writing down the directions and then said, "we got together after 67 years and it was like we had never left each other".
I said, "If you don't mind me asking, how old are you"?
She said, "I'm 84. He's 86". I could see the care in her face, and hear it in her voice. They were both giddy. I smiled again and wished them both a Merry Christmas.
As I watched them drive away. I realized they probably had exactly what they wanted for this Holiday Season. My only regret was not getting their names, otherwise, it was a very cute and heartfelt love story.
As I drove the two hours home, I had two thoughts: The first was that I hoped my directions got them to where they needed to go. The second was that, I too, have exactly what I want this Holiday Season, and I didn't have to wait 67 years to find it.
