Monday, December 15, 2014

I Felt Like Santa

      A couple of months ago I was waiting for my wife in the grocery store. At the far end of the store I saw a couple of people waving. As they got closer, I could see that they were waving at me. I recognized the two brothers and the friendly grins on their faces. These two are about 14 and 16. 

     These two boys lived a few houses down from me until three years ago. They still come back and visit their Dad. They happen to be two of the finest boys you could ever wish for.

    So they came up to me in the store and we had a chat. They convey the impression that they genuinely like you and enjoy the conversation. They're enthusiastic and never run out of things to talk about. They know what I like to talk about and they keep the conversation on my topics.

    They had been in the grocery store to get a couple of things for their Mom and obviously a few things for themselves as they had chips soda pop and I think some candy. 

   They left in the same way they came. They were genuinely happy that they had stopped for a visit.

    They left me standing with a great feeling that someone had come and given me their attention. They enjoyed the time. 

    As they left , I couldn't help feeling like Santa. They came and  were happy to see me and went away happy as if I had given them a gift. 

    I wish I would meet more people like this who really make my day.

44 comments:

  1. That certainly raises the spirits!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've known these kids for 10 years so it's a real treat.

      Delete
  2. Hi Red, That is a great story. It gives me renewed faith in the younger generations. There are just a lot of great kids out there ... they just don't get as much attention as the trouble makers. I enjoyed reading this blog of yours. I wonder where in Alberta you are? I do love Canada and Alberta is beautiful country. John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think many people are intiminated by teens. Teens tend to hang in groups . You have to look at the individual.

      Delete
  3. An excellent meeting with everyone leaving feeling happy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a couple of nice kids!
    Cheri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have some pretty neat kids as neighbors.

      Delete
  5. They sound like lovely guys Red, and no doubt enjoyed talking to you for a very good reason.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When these kids went to the local school they would always greet me from way up the street.

      Delete
  6. Oh Red don't you just love that feeling. I am sure they felt the same way. Hug B

    ReplyDelete
  7. It is nice of the boys to have such a friendly chat with you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really appreciate that kind of contact with kids as it's one of the things I miss about teaching.

      Delete
  8. I greet all who I make eye contact with and a few more. I have gone all day without conversation and wonder if some I meet have done the same. A smile can say a thousand words.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always greet people when I ride bike on our trails.

      Delete
  9. What a wonderful thing for those boys to do. I am sure they remember you with great fondness and showed it when talking to you. Sure would have made my day Santa Red :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, I've been elevated a bit. I'm now Santa Red!! Your humor is always appreciated.

      Delete
  10. I know a couple of youngsters like that! A pleasure to have people like that around. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you make good contact with kids because of all the animals you take care of. Kids love animals.

      Delete
  11. What a wonderful post. They sound like great kids. There are so many wonderful young people around. I've met so many here through my daughter. They certainly don't get enough credit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's sad that when kids go along and mind their own business that they don't get the recognition.

      Delete
  12. Yes, Red, they made YOU happy, and then you went and spread it far and wide amongst your readers. I think of that is the "benign virus" of love. Thanks for making my day. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a mutual benefit. I don't know about the virus thing though!!! Yes I do . Spread happiness around.

      Delete
  13. Replies
    1. They've always chattered and I told their Mom that it was a good thing. Guys sometimes clam up and won't talk about important things.

      Delete
  14. What special wonderful children. You should call their parents and tell them exactly how you felt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I quite often talk to their parents. their Dad lives three doors away. I don't see Mom that often since she moved, but I have regular Face book time.

      Delete
  15. That is so heart touching! Sometime the younger generation don't have time for us Older people meaning anyone older than 40. I love that you had such a great visit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True, but sometimes adults are hesitant to approach teens.

      Delete
  16. Oh Red
    That is a wonderful memory of happiness to keep near your heart..

    Could of not happened to a nicer person. (YOU) Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I suspect that your interest in them had at least as much to do with their joy in seeing you. You all win... as do we for hearing about it. And I second Tabor's suggestion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope that they continue to communicate. I do talk to their folks.

      Delete
  18. What a wonderful gift they gave you. And some people think gifts are all about the money. Here's a fine example of how wrong they can be. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They've given me a very pleasant memory.

      Delete
  19. You are such a sweet man! You touch everyone you meet, I am sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Okay,okay, thanks! But be careful as I told you before , "Don't give me a swelled head." I think as teachers we have an edge when it comes to talking to kids. I never miss an opportunity to talk to the skaters you know skate boarders.

      Delete
  20. These two sound like exceptional boys/young men. Not many kids i know would do that.

    ReplyDelete
  21. That's a very special encounter. Young people these days don't always stop and talk with the elders, so this was very nice for you - and them too!

    ReplyDelete
  22. You give everyone a gift just by writing your blog! Sounds like you have some great younger friends:)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I imagine that these kids think you are pretty special, too!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I do love it when people are like that. Living in a small community as I do means that one meets quite a lot of people who stop for a chat and, on the whole, most of them are happy.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow! What wonderful young men they are. They are the sort of people that make this world a better place.

    ReplyDelete