Each morning, I begin my day with coffee, journaling, and walking my sweet puppies. I have had this routine for years. (My oldest dog is 10 and before her I was walking my babies). I love it. It starts my day with a little endorphin boost and vitamin D.
Over the years, I have met various people and seen the various characters walk, run, or cycle by me. There is one gentleman that I don't see too often, (we are on different schedules) but when I do he is a grump. He never moves from his path. Meaning, he doesn't vear to the right or left if someone is in his way. He never says hi. He is just an unhappy person.
The pups and I began our walk a little late this morning. In doing so, we ran into our friend and neighbor, John, (whom we haven't seen in months) with one of his two dogs. We had pulled off to the side as we visited... he in the dirt and me half dirt half edge of sidewalk. Mr. Curmudgeon began approaching. He didn't budge an inch from his lane. As he approached he said, "fucking ass" and kept walking. I, in my complete shock and disbelief said, "really?" He replied, "yes, really!" For a beat or two I stood there in disbelief and then pleasantly replied, "have a great day!" And then he proceeded to flip me off without even turning around to face me.
John and I spent a minute or two discussing the craziness of what we just witnessed and then said our goodbyes and went our own ways. Part of me wanted to march down that trail and give Mr. Curmudgeon a a piece of my mind. But. I didn't. I walked home thinking about him and wondering why his life was so miserable. What could it be? It wasn't just a bad morning... he was having a bad life. Should I make some muffins and find him on the trail tomorrow? Try to add a little sunshine and happiness to his day? Surely I could spread a little kindness and get him to have a moment of happiness? It's contagious, right?
I probably won't do anything and when I see him again I will just look straight ahead and hope for the best. Or maybe I will give Mr. Curmudgeon a basket of muffins and a smile and hope he doesn't throw them at me!
