We could think what we wanted…

I came home to grab lunch since my parents are here (well, right now on their way out to JFK for their trip to Turkey…they arrived late last night from California…unfortunately, not a long stay, but it will be a little longer on their way back from Turkey).

I told them this small story and said I didn’t have time to tweet share with folks. It’s been a whirlwind few days…all filled with magic and joy…but still a bit too fast…

They asked I write it down somewhere. And since this is the most organized space I know as compared to what is on and underneath my desk and shelves, here it goes…

This morning in the number 2 subway train headed to the Bronx the conductor made an announcement.

He said, “Please do your part to keep the subway clean. There just isn’t enough people to pick up after people. You are the ones who have to ride these trains.” No one really paid attention other than the fact that we recognized that this was not an automated message from the NYC MTA. And then he came back on again, “And it is a really nice day. Act accordingly. Make it count.”

Thereafter, I said, carefully, “Must be his first day at the job!” To which another woman replied, “Yeah, I would be happy too if I had a job right now.” We all laughed.

I felt bad. I don’t like like cynicism. I decided I was being funny and sarcastic. I am sarcastic sometimes. But I don’t like cynicism. I decided it was okay just this once.

We all had had a good laugh.

Then another lady said, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if he had been on this job for many many years and he still was this proud of what he did and delivered this message because he thought it was valuable?”

We all agreed. And also agreed we’ll never know. We could think what we wanted.

Then the few of us started talking about knitting since one of the women seated near us was knitting. Where are the classes? Where are the good deals to buy yarn? My sister taught me and I forgot already…

My stop came and I got out and I said goodbye and have a nice day as if I knew these people. They all rejoiced have a great day in return.

When the subway car began again I saw that I happened to have been in the particular subway section where the subway operator was too. The subway train started again. I ran along side the subway and asked, “Hey! Was it you that made the announcement?” He said, “Yes, ma’am!” Now the subway was going faster and I knew I couldn’t keep up. I yelled so he could hear me, “How long have you been working for the MTA?” I could see his smile as he faded away onwards and I heard him very clearly, “15 years.”

 

It’s been a wonderful day so far.

Mostly because it is a great reminder that we can change someone’s day for the better by just being ourselves.

And although we often can’t control our thoughts we can control what we do with them once they come around.

~a.q.s.

 

 

3 responses to “We could think what we wanted…”

  1. LunaJune says:

    Exactly !! I love it when these things happen…. we each have the opportunity every day in some way
    to change things.
    I am a big people watcher.. always have been….and watching the ripples of joy shared among strangers
    is just awesome… I could feel your subway car.. well you are a imaginative story teller :~)

  2. Barbara says:

    Thank you so much for this post. I loved it. Bless that dear man’s heart, and yours too.

  3. Sand says:

    Oh! How wonderful 🙂 your parents were right, this needed sharing and I’m so glad that you did.
    We all need these little reminders about how much one person CAN make a difference.
    Sx