Thanks for Talkin' to Me

A few years ago a crisis in our neighborhood brought a group of us together. Some had known each other for many years; some were meeting for the first time. Getting
together at meetings we gradually got to know each other. We have become neighbors, like neighbors used to be. But one person in particular stood out as a kindred spirit and has become a cherished friend.

Now I know that you won’t believe it when I say, I am uncomfortable around people I don’t know. With time I have learned to hide the discomfort with a calm exterior or at least what feels like a calm exterior.

I was thrilled and more than a little nervous to meet this person on the sidewalk outside our local grocery store. Her face lit up as she saw me and made me feel a more at ease. We talked for several minutes, about what I have no idea. Like a star-struck teenager this opportunity to get to know her outside of our meetings just blew me away.

She had yet to get her groceries and I had cold stuff that needed to get home to the refrigerator.

As she turned to go into the grocery store she said “Good-bye, I’ll see you.”

I waved and called back over my shoulder “Thanks for talkin' to me.”

On my way out of town, my calm exterior was gone, and all I could remember of the conversation was--thanks for talkin’ to me. "Thanks for talkin’ to me?" what had made me say such a silly thing?

Some time later I mentioned how ridiculous I had felt because of my silly reply. We had such a good laugh and thanks for talkin’ to me has become a joke between us.

She and her husband have become our good friends. We get together with them and another great couple to play cards, eat too much and have a lot of laughs.

Oh and ... Jeri ... thanks for talkin’ to me.