Things we remember

When I was about seven I remember being outside, at the end of our driveway. I can't remember what I was doing, but I was probably riding some kind of vehicle, skateboard, big wheel, green machine, whatever. This older kid rode up on his bicycle and stopped. He smiled at me and said, "hey, hows it going?"

I smiled and said, "pretty good"

He made some small talk, asked if my big wheel was really fast or something. And then he said, "catch you later" I remember that because it sounded so cool. And then he rode away. I don't think I ever talked to him again. But I still remember it to this day. I can picture his face as I type this.

Why?

Well for me it was this older kid, who was obviously really cool, and he took time to talk to me. It made me feel so good, I felt important. I remember smiling for a good long while. Just because someone said hello and took a moment to recognise my existence.

I guess the question that comes to my mind now is: Do I do this for others now? If a stupid minute out of my life, may make someone feel better, even a little. If for one moment they can feel validated, and acknowledged just by a smile and a hello, why don't I do it more often?

Maybe the worlds not filled with impressionable seven years olds, but then again, maybe that seven year old is hidden in all of us.

the rev