Mr. R

Feb 6, 2009

To Mr. R, the gentleman who shared my company on the airport shuttle bus late last night:

I don’t know if you’ll remember me. We spoke for five minutes, ten at the most. I know nothing about you except

  • You parked in Row 4R. “R” is the first letter of your last name, and your brilliant secret to finding your car in the crowded parking lot.
  • We share a sense of humor. Neither one of us did a very good job stifling the laughter when our driver sounded EXACTLY like Charlie Brown’s teacher (“Wa wa wa, wa wa wa, wa wa.”).
  • You have a kind heart.

Your heart didn’t show itself in anything you did. Or said. You wore it as much as your tan overcoat, double hearing aids and smile.

I don’t take kindness for granted anymore, Mr. R. So thank you for doing whatever you’ve done for the past 70 years of your life to end up becoming a person I wish I could know. Your kindness lit a corner of my night. And I’ll be remembering you.

Michele

P.S. I found my car. Next time I’ll be in 4C.

7 Comments

  1. Melissa

    I love this story. And love even more that you choose to write it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Jan Parrish

    What a wonderful slice of life. I would like to read his version of the story.

    “To the beautiful, vibrant woman who make my day by sharing a smile and a laugh…”

    Reply
  3. Robbie Iobst

    I’m crying. I’m loving your writing. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Michele

    That each one of us would live as a Mr. R … I feel like i have so far to go to become that kind of person, who loves and lives without ever realizing he’s leaving such a wonderful mark.

    Each of you is well on your way. I’m a lucky girl. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Ashleigh

    Love it. I love stories of people making an impact. So great.
    There’s a blog for you on my page. Go check it out when you get a chance. Thanks for chatting today.

    Reply
  6. alece

    so poignant and well-written…

    i’d like to meet mr. r.

    Reply
  7. Michele

    I’m thinking about Mr. R again today … Wish I could snap my fingers and be that kind of wonderful.

    Reply

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