Bench Talk

While waiting for my wife and her friends to finish shopping in Traverse City, I sat down on a bench outside the store. A woman walked by and asked if it was okay to share the bench. “By all means” I replied and uncharacteristically, started a little conversation with her. 

 

“Did you notice that this store was founded in 1955? And the one next door in 1947?”

 

“Yes, I was just thinking how rare that is today.”

 

“So it is. And it’s also curious that this one (Talbots) has stores in London, San Francisco, Boston, New York, Chicago — and then Traverse City!.”

 

Her friend came by and I scooted over to make more room.

 

“Are you both visiting?”

 

“Yes, I’m from near Grand Rapids and she’s from Dearborn.”

 

“ My wife was born in Dearborn! I’m visiting also, from one of those Talbot’s cities. Can you guess which one?”

 

“San Francisco?”

 

“You got it!”

 

“Love San Francisco! I lived in San Anselmo for a while and then also Lafayette.”

 

And so it went on. I found out that she taught Spanish and the conversation continued in Spanish. My wife and her friends came out, we made the Dearborn connection, I turned to her and shook hands and said, “A pleasure passing time on a bench together.” 

 

And it was. A simple, spontaneous conversation on a lovely summer’s day. No need to exchange our personal pronouns, claim our identity or find out what political sign was on her front lawn. No screens were turned on, no “likes” were solicited, no photos shared on our phones. Just two human life forms passing a few pleasant moments together.

 

Can we return to this please?