More Real People
by Andy Smallman
Yesterday I introduced you to Michael who just so happens to be a plumber. 
He was back at PSCS today and fixed another toilet. Today I met Bob, the man who came and removed the tree that fell overnight across the walkway entrance to the school. Tonight, Melinda and I met Perry, the notary who came to our house to assist in the process we undertook to take advantage of lower interest rates and refinance our home loan.
I made a point of talking to each person and referring to them by name, something I intend to make a more regular practice.
Oh, the named girl in today’s photo is, in fact, Chloe, as I hope you can tell. Yes, Chloe, as in our daughter who is now in college.
Today’s Question: Who is a real person you saw today?
Advertisement
Megan, my new massage therapist here in Salt Lake. Normally when I get a massage I like to meditate and let the therapist just work on my body while I relax my mind. However, last week it seemed my therapist was sniffing so I asked if she was getting a cold. As she said “No,” I bravely but slowly ventured, “Are you sad? Are you crying.” She said “No,” but much later in the massage, I shared that sometimes I had cried during massage because of the emotional release. We talked about that and she confessed, Yes, I was crying.” She shared some personal information about being a single Mom to explain.
Today I had another massage and after some quiet time, we began to talk again, a bit more personally about what we were feeling today. I have the sense she needs to be heard and I am happy that she can open up to me even if briefly. I feel I can share some detail about the tension in my life right now. It is nice for both of us to be able to share a little something with a kind stranger.