During the three years I've worked at the mall Customer Service desk I've become friendly with many of the regular mall walkers. The majority of them are older, retired folks that don't have job commitments, so they're able to come to the mall every day for their exercise. Most of them just smile, but a few say hello as they breeze by me at the desk. A couple even stop and talk on a regular basis.
For more than a year I conversed almost every day (and sometimes more than once) with a 70-something retired professional man. I learned quite a bit about his childhood, schooling, and work life, but what he really liked to talk about was current events. Some of his opinions were on the verge of being offensive, but I have thick skin and let them roll off my back. For the most part, he'd repeat the same ideas every day. However every once in a while I'd hear a fascinating story from years gone by that made up for the monotony. He only talked with me and the Boss; none of the other people who work at the desk were 'lucky' enough to command his attention.
Sometime in early February of this year the man disappeared, and after a while the Boss and I began to be concerned. However, one day last month he reappeared. I was happy to see him, and gave him a hearty hello. He looked at me like he'd never seen me before, then sat down in the chairs closest to the desk. It looked like he was thinking things over. Eventually he came over to me and asked me my name. We'd only chatted for a few minutes before he turned abruptly and left.
Since that day he doesn't speak with me. If I'm at the desk by myself, the man enquires when Boss will be here as he passes by. At first I was upset by the snub, but after a while I decided it wasn't such a bad thing. I don't have to have the same conversation day after day, and I don't have to bite my tongue when I hear an outlandish opinion.
Five years ago today: Pretty In Pink
Did he have a stroke or something? There must be some reason to explain his absence and then his lack of recognition. You really do see it all from your vantage point, don't you?
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing there was something physical going on, because he also drags his feet more when he walks now.
DeleteYes, I DO see it all-it's fascinating.
Aw...some kind of dementia, I'm thinking. Poor man.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's sad to see.
DeleteBut, you were kind to him, and that was important.
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you :-)
Deleteyes, don't take it personally Kathy, he must've had some memory loss with the supposed stroke, it explains his absence. Great that he is out walking again.
ReplyDeleteSad to see I'll bet. However how wonderful that he's back doing the circuit!
ReplyDeleteJust remember, you made his day, each time he had a conversation with you,
ReplyDeletelonely or not.
I appreciate you taking the time with everyone who walks. You never know who they are. It could be someone's mom or dad, who can't be there because of some reason, but would love to! Thanks for taking care of "them".
Christine, what a wonderful thought! Thank YOU.
Deletemost people can't get past another's outlandish opinions. you were a gift to him.
ReplyDeleteWow-I hadn't thought about it that way before. Thanks
DeleteAs a retired "mall walker" myself now, I try to smile and say good morning to everyone I pass. It's amazing how many people refuse to make eye contact. This man must have needed something you filled in his life with your daily willingness to listen. He must have sensed in you something special that made you the one with whom he talked.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that a lot of people won't look others in the eye. I wonder what they're afraid of?
DeleteI believed the man tried to talk with anyone who looked his way. I was just a semi-captive audience.