I'm often teased by those that love and care about me that I could strike up a conversation with a brick wall--and many times the bricks would talk. But, isn't that what we want in some instances, the walls to talk? I digress. Yes, I guess I do have that ability, but I think it is partly a former life of fundraising and just part of my soul. I love to hear people's stories and how they intersect with the world.
On a recent vacation, my youngest son said, "Mom, please don't start conversations with random people on this trip." I was offended. As if I just walk up to said random people, awkwardly stare them in the face, and start a conversation. I asked, "When is the last time I did that?" After much good-humored banter -- with the boys (plural) against the girl (singular) -- it was decided to drop the subject. ...and I continued being me. :)
Fast forward to a recent teppanyaki night. It was the last dinner before my oldest went to boot camp. Now, I have to ask, how can you go to teppanyaki and not talk to the people at your table? My oldest would say, "It's easy!" But me being me, yea, not so much. So that night, very nice people--a couple with their 2 sons (one senior/one 7th grader), and an uncle. They were out shopping for houses for the uncle who was relocating from 5 hours away.... What's that? You don, 't need to know the details? O.k., o.k., but, as we left the restaurant that night, my youngest son said in an acceptance-is-the-first-step tone, "Well, I'm sure we will be having them over for dinner soon." My oldest chimed in, "Or maybe Mom should just follow up with the uncle. Sounds like he is single. He is a funny. He is super nice...."
As I write that, I think of two things: (1) Is it sad that my sons are becoming a dating service? And (2) seeeee...they like meeting people too. Maybe they just don't know it.
I have met some of the coolest people in my life that way. By chance. Whether it is meeting someone at a class, a job, through total randomness, or at a party of a mutual friend, we all have stories...and where our lives cross, if only for a moment, is where a new story begins.
So as I begin this weekend, I look forward to the new people I will meet. Chatting with those that I have known--some folks for a long time. ...and remembering we all have stories.