THE WORLD IS FULL OF INTERESTING PEOPLE

 

Patrick drives a truck emblazoned with “City of Galena Park” on the side. Martin knew Patrick as the younger brother of a classmate at Galena Park High School a long time ago. A very long time ago.

Some years past, Martin and I both started receiving birthday greetings in the mail from Patrick. And Martin’s always included “I know your daughter has the same birthday as you, so tell her happy birthday, too.”

One day I was on my morning walk on the track near our house when the city truck parked and two men began to pick up trash. One of those men was wearing a shirt with “Patrick” embroidered over the pocket. It was time to make his acquaintance.

As I walked back to my car after an exhausting 20-minute amble around the track, I stopped Patrick and thanked him for the birthday letters. He asked my name, and I explained that I was Martin Hinshaw’s wife. He apologized for not recognizing me and reminded me that I used to walk a lot more often. (I admit I had a bit of a “being stalked” feeling, but even worse was the guilt in knowing that someone was tracking my exercise efforts!)

My Aunt Cathy worked for city hall and knew Patrick. She talked of his amazing ability to remember things – dates, people, events. After our brief greeting that morning, he recited “Nancy Hinshaw, February 5, 1954.  Martin Hinshaw, January 26, 1954. Your daughter, January 26, 1974.” After I closed my gaping mouth, I smiled and said “1975. Stephanie’s birthday was 1975.” He apologized saying “But I was close.” He shared that his birthday was the same day as my mother-in-law (Dec 28) and that he went to school with Martin’s younger brother from 7^th grade to graduation.

Once again, I thanked him for his gracious letters, and we said goodbye.

In the days after talking to Patrick, I began to look around and was reminded that the most interesting people in the world are not on billboards, on your television screen or even on the news. They are strangers in the grocery store dancing and lip-synching to your favorite song.  They are neighbors who leave cold water for the sanitation workers. They are mail carriers who help my granddaughter when she locks the keys in her car. 

Last month I saw Patrick again as he cleaned our city park. He saw me and walked down the sidewalk, across the ravine, and around the track. When he faced me, he simply said, “Wanted to wish you a happy belated birthday.” And then he trekked back to his truck.

A person could do worse than living in a community of such interesting people.

 

Note to readers - Remember when you throw your trash on the ground, that there is a Patrick cleaning up behind you. Be kind to the Patricks.  

 

Note to self – Remember to get Patrick a birthday card in December.