(Jenn) I love people! I think the cool fall weather has made everyone in our greater neighborhood in a good mood recently. Henry and I jog at a nearby park 3-4 times a week (okay, I jog, and Henry rides in the jogging stroller) in the mornings. The weather really has been amazing -- cool and crisp, with hints of the beautiful autumn that's coming. I can't help but be in a good mood, and I guess everyone else is the same way. I keep getting comments from all sorts of people as we pass them -- mostly things about the jogging stroller, since very few people seem to use them here. This week I've received the following comments:"Wow, that's a very nice carriage!"
"Where do you get all that energy?"
"Pretty soon, he's going to be pushing you!"
"Looks like he gets the comfy ride."
"Show off! (ha ha ha)"
Maybe these seem like regular comments, but it really is pretty unusual for our area, especially coming from complete strangers. One of my favorite things in the world is when people open up to each other for no other reason than to share humanity together. Probably one of the best reactions we've received is from an Indian man we pass frequently at the park. He happens to be there almost every day at about the same time we go, and so he always says hello to me and Henry, and we share a few words as we pass each other. On Monday, in his broken English, he asked if Henry likes Oreos. This morning, he showed up with a package of Oreos and two boxes of crackers for Henry (he works at Nabisco). Who does things like that for random people they pass on a morning walk? I'm telling you, people can be amazing. I tend to like them.
7 comments:
Hi Jenny - I found your blog through Hollie's. I don't know if you remember me...Denise Embley? Anyway, your family is adorable & I'm jealous you live back east. How fun!
I tend to like people as well. I love when people are friendly too. The main thing we here from strangers with my three kids are "Are these YOUR kids" and "Wow you have your hands full". I don't care so much for those kind of friendly people but your jogging adventure was fun to read about.
"Very nice carriage." Makes me excited for England;) I love when people are this way as well. You get to trully see some good in just about everyone when they let down those gaurds and open up with just a simple hello. I am glad you are fully enjoying your autumn. We love the east coast and would love to maybe be stationed there one day.
I had one of those friendly stranger experiences just today as I was barreling out of the grocery store with my basket of groceries hurrying home for Megan's birthday party. Some man just pulled to the side as we went out the door and let me past him. I thanked him and raced out to the car. He walked past just as I finished putting all my groceries in the back of the van and was looking for the closest cart return. He just said, "Roll your cart right here by mine and I'll put it away." I thanked him and said, "You don't have to do that." He replied, "Yeah, but you look like you're rolling faster than I am today." So I told him about the birthday party I was hurrying for and went on my way. He made my day. I too love friendly strangers!
This was so fun to read and made me so happy! I too have been pleasantly surprised by the friendly strangers in our neighborhood. They also are very encouraging when I go on a jog saying, "Keep up the good work," and the likes. I love it!
Oooh, I love your description of the park. We are going to DC and Virginia next month and you got me super excited! So sweet with the Indian man. It is funny what little kids can do to people.
Lichelle
Perhaps your love of people . . . all people . . . and the warm way you instantly interact with them is at least among the many things I love the most about you, Jenn. As our kids have grown and gone and moved so far away and our house can be so quiet, I realize what a blessing "people" are in all of our lives. Love you bunches, Mom2
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