HELLO!

On my way to work this morning I was caught up in traffic. For close to two decades, I avoided this experience as a driver, instead I was usually in the back of a bus (Metro X) listing to music as the bus driver navigated the delays en route Scotia Square. Since coming to Woodlawn, I am once again driving every day. It is not an experience I enjoy, but I make the best of it. I tend to go back and forth, between Q104 and CBC, the former when they play music I love (1978-1982) and the latter when they interview someone who opens my mind and heart to something new.

This morning I noticed a couple, they were looking at my bumper stickers. They smiled, clapped and beeped their horn. I had forgotten the messages I attached to the bumper. It reminded me of a strategy I adopted long ago, one I have never shared in a blog or column before. I engage in many conversations, with a variety of people. When I was a street navigator for 18 years, when I served as minister of Brunswick Street United Church for 13 years, I would meet persons with complicated stories, challenging diagnosis, and colourful sources of hope and inspiration. I have remembered many of those conversations. For years I would line up to take the Metro X shuttle bus (Exit 5 on the 103), with other professionals that look, dress, and talk like me. Those conversations included a lot of what I call, “stating the obvious”. “It sure is cold today” and “I wonder when the bus will arrive”. I have always tried to inject into conversations observations that are not obvious. And likewise, the comments from others that “stick” to me are ones I did not expect.

Today, at Glasgow Hall, Dodie sang a beautiful solo for the residents, “One Day at a Time”. I was standing in the corner of the large recreation Hall as she sang and noted the man sitting in front of me who would lift his index finger, every time Dodie sang “One”. I liked it and told the man I would always remember him doing this, every time, I hear that song.

I think we vastly underestimate the power of the unexpected, the non-obvious, comments, actions, even bumper stickers, that catch our attention and never leave our memories. Kim and I delight in sharing such memories about our parents, all deceased, these unexpected comments and actions bring Lenora, Alan, Beth and Bob to life. Have you ever considered what unexpected comments and actions your loved ones remember about you? Life is short, the obvious is overrated. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd”. Peace, Kevin