Yesterday’s surprising downpour caught me with no umbrella as I scurried to my car from the office around 7:00. Luckily, I had nowhere else to go (and be seen) except home. I’d worn a ponytail and flipflops and was thankful I could laugh as I ran through the rain. The drive home was not dull and I even went through a completely dry patch. I also passed a motorcyclist parked under an overpass, patiently waiting for the rains to…overpass. Just before my neighborhood, I slipped into Kroger for a few items. I was just around the curve of the produce section when a man came up to me with a bouquet of bright flowers. An African-American man of about 52-55 years of age. He so politely excused himself for interrupting my shopping (Hey…I’m just getting refried beans. It’s not a big deal!) He wanted my opinion: His daughter is graduating high school. He wanted to get her a present. Will these work? (I couldn’t help but think…well, nevermind. You can imagine all the things I wanted to ask him.)
But not knowing his budget, their relationship, his situation, etc…I assured him I thought those flowers were very sweet. They were a vibrant mix of colorful flowers I can’t identify now. He questioned roses but I reassured him this bunch was better. I casually threw in the question that he was going to have something else? “a real present” for her? (or already had given it to her) when he interjected he did have something. Whewww, glad that wasn’t awkward. He was rushed and thankful. “Graduation starts at 7:30″ he tells me. I told him congratulations, reminded him to take the price tag off the wrapper of the bouquet and went back to my business. I looked at my watch which let me know he would probably get there just late enough for someone to ask, “Where have you been?! Picking flowers?!” And I guess he could honestly answer, “Why, yes. Yes I have… For you daughter, with love.”
