This afternoon I suffered a brief epiphany. Now yes I know, there is no such thing as a unique ‘brief’ epiphany. All epiphanies are brief. (“an experience of sudden and striking realization”) By definition. But I suffered one, brief though it was, now it is mine. I aim to keep it and make it not brief.
My ‘sudden and striking realization’ struck me at Kroger’s, standing in the check-out line and in my usual hurry. There was a man in front of me in one of those grocery-store golf carts. He kept bumping into shit, trying to navigate. He was cheerful. The cashier was cheerful. They both laughed at his lack of driving skills. Then… I had to laugh too. With them. Then it hit me. The cashier lady was black. The bumpy lousy grocery cart driver was white. In Memphis, this is how we roll: people are Kind to one another, regardless.
In Memphis Tennessee. My adopted ex-pat State, right there on the spot, I fell in love. Yes! Love! (took me far too long)
Ask me why? Why today? Why after so many times in which I have railed against the slowness of the shopping cart? The slowness of the cashier. The slowness of the people to gas their cars when the light turns green and I am in a hurry (hurry for what?) The casual way life is approached?
I cannot answer, but it hit me today.
It hit me! Suddenly!
I used to be that way.
That way. That bad way.
And I was happy, being mean.
Then I got in a ‘hurry’ and I was even less happy.
Never took the time to talk to folks. Never said ‘Hello’ Never helped someone needing help. In Memphis, people still help people; they have a conversation in the check-out line. Those waiting to check out, check their egos in their cars. Life is sublime. People are Nice! Nice! Civil! Nice Civil People! Can you imagine?
I need this.
I needed this!
I have it now.
I had an epiphany.
I have an epiphany.
And I am gonna keep it.
And I am gonna take it home (To Texas) when I get there. ‘ Lesson I learned in Tennessee.’ Shoulda learned it in Texas. Texans have always had it. Understood it. Embraced it. With both arms open…
I Will Always Love My Country
I served my country t0 probably protect my Nation. I did try and I gave it my best.
I am afraid to di. Afraid to die..
Reblogged this on Texan Tales & Hieroglyphics and commented:
I suppose.. this is how I really feel about America. I love my country. I do. I honestly do. I really do.
Pingback: Running in Soft Sand: Part Two | Texan Tales & Hieroglyphics
Now THAT’S funny.
Ya made me literally laugh-out-loud.
Mercy Bow-Chops!
😉
That works. My soapbox orations bring in the tomatoes for my salads.
“Feelin’ groovy”
Thanks for your visit and kind words.
(I often step up the soapbox–sometimes I step down–sometimes I fall–and sometimes… shoes start flying at me from out of the blue)
🙂
Congratulations on your “awakening.” As Simon and Garfunkel wrote,”Slow down, you move too fast. Gotta make the morning last.” When you slow down, you notice more. When you notice more, you have time to listen and react. When you have the time, you can spend it listening and reacting with kindness and humor to other people. Okay, I’m stepping off the soapbox now. Have a great day.
Yeah, I dun pissed off some of my Kindred Texans. Good thing I am not within shootin’ range! 😉
Occasionally I like to stir up shit (usually to foment commentary). Sometimes I go too far and find myself in the dog house.
Thanks for your comment. 🙂
Peace,
Lance
Lance – really enjoyed this – I often find myself in a hurry, though am learning to just enjoy the journey. Having said that – not sure what part of Texas you speak of, but my part is full of friendly people – just try & be in the checkout line with me & not talk & smile – I dare ya LOL 😉
Take some penicillin and call me in the morning.
(clap) (clap) (clap)
Mark I know this.
All of this
Cheers, my Friend.
My Good Friend.
All it takes is one, Lance, to start a movement back to kind and respectful and, dare I say it, human.
Congratulations, Memphis, for allowing one to double to two to multiply to four to expand to many to explode to most.
Lance, I hope you are the one who starts the charge back in Texas. Be careful, though.
Because all it takes is one mean, disrespectful grump to start the ball back rolling the other way.
Because.. I am a Southerner, And I love My People. I love them. Yes! I am atheist, yet, I still love my theist upbringing. I make allowances. That is what I meant. If that makes sense.
They make me smile…..
I gotta ask: How so?
I am good will.
Thank you.
Even though…
Ya know,
You made me laugh.
🙂
Wonderful, Lance! Always good to take the time to smell the roses and enjoy the laughter and good will. 🙂
My beloved adopted home of Dinkytown is like that. You can’t be in a hurry here because no one else is, and no one will indulge that kind of foolishness. Ya live longer if you live slower, and you live happier, too. I’m glad you had your moment and hope you can extend it all the way to your last breath.
Be well, my friend!
Wow! Thank you. Honestly.
Great comment.
I was hoping for some positive feedback on this one I wrote off the top…
(True story, btw, happened today)
Thank you.
Good for you, Lance. I too am a hurrier. Always rushing around, practically knocking people over and panting with impatience when I am forced to wait. And, then, when I’m where I NEED to be, I think, what was my hurry? Was it worth all the aggravation I caused myself and those who had the misfortune to be around me. Nope. Being nice and cordial is so much better. Feeds the soul. Thanks for reminding me that hurrying is not the way, kindness is 🙂
Yes, I know, but I am just trying to get some dialog here…
Give a brother a dance, er… chance.
smile
I have matured too….There was a time when I only reacted to people….now I consider them as a person who might be fighting horrible battles unseen…In my every action and word I try to be kind. Kudos to you!
Call it ‘journalist lice…er..license
Lee, my old friend, I am an asshole;surely you know this.
Lance I am glad you had a light bulb moment today but most of us Texans have never lost it. Dammit we are the friendly state .
Yeah….and candy’s dandy, but liquor is quicker.
Thank you Teela. For your visit and your comment.
Peace,
Lance
Epiphany’s are amazing things. I had one in K-mart today. That’s another story. 😉
I matured a little today Sharon.
Thank you for noticing.
I am a better man than I was two hours ago.
Isn’t that what we all want? To grow in our humanity?
And you should. Never underestimate what a kind word, a smile or a mutual laugh can bring to another person. 🙂