On Father's Day I went about my day like I usually do on Sunday. I got in a run with Alisha early in the morning (that's actually not normal for Sunday morning) and I started off my morning teaching a couple classes at Fit 36 before I went to work at Fleet Feet. Since this was a week where we were starting new workouts I stayed after class to work on recording our weekly workout videos with Dre. I didn't have time to go to church since we got out late, so instead I went home to get cleaned up and I decided go head into Fleet Feet early and work on a few things before we opened for the day.
I was heading to work and made my usual stop at Little Caesar's Pizza. On my way I kept thinking about the homeless guy I say a few months ago. I usually go to this location every Sunday and have been hoping to see him there again sometime.
As I pulled up I noticed a guy standing out in front of the Little Caesar's Pizza. He had a bike, a backpack, an electric guitar, and an amp. I walked by him and he said, "I'll play you a song for a dollar." I almost never carry cash on me and told him that I wasn't able to give him anything. He then said, "How about for a slice of pizza?" I looked at him and laughed... "fair enough, I hope you like pepperoni."
I walked in and placed my order. They told me it would be about 10 mins, so I went to the grocery store next door to pick up a couple things. I went back to get my pizza and watched the guy outside play his guitar and ask people for money.
When my pizza was ready I felt like giving him a slice or two wasn't really the right thing to do, and I decided to do what I knew I would end up doing anyway. I asked the guy behind the counter to get me another pizza.
I walked out with my extra pizza and asked the gentleman playing his guitar if he still wanted a slice. Then I handed him a box and said, "Maybe an entire pizza would be better." He thanked me and I said, "have a good day, I gotta head to work. Take care."
I got to my car and, put my pizza in it... then I looked at my watch. I had plenty of time before I had to be at work. I thought about the guy who I ran into at almost the exact same spot who I wish I had made more time for. I decided to go back and talk to him for a little bit.
I walked back and he noticed that I was coming back. I told him, "You know what, I have a few mins... play me something." Earlier I had heard him running through a few scales, and it sounded pretty good, but now that he had someone watching and actually listening he seemed to be a little nervous. I told him to play whatever he wanted. His hands were a little shaky while he played a few blues riffs for about a min for me, and I had the feeling that he wasn't use to someone really listening to him play.
When he was done we talked for a few mins. I told him that I use to play and that I have been thinking about playing again. We talked a little bit about music, I told him about my kids and how my daughter is playing piano and my son in playing guitar.
After a few mins I had to leave so that I could go to work. I thanked Abraham for playing for me, and for the conversation. When I went to shake his had he stepped away from me, he looked down and said very embarrassed, "sorry, my hands are dirty." And his hands were dirty, but I noticed that before I offered to shake it.
I said to him, "Abraham... I don't give a shit if your hands are dirty, mine are dirty too." He looked up and laughed, and we shook hands.
I walked to my car and headed to work, and went about my typical day.
The most precious thing we can give someone is our time. Just taking the time to ask someone how their day is going, and to really listen to them can turn a bad day into a great one. I'm glad I took the time to talk to Abraham and listen to him play.
until next time...
