grace – Page 3 – The Chicago Files

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Taking a wee swerve from my recent photos of Chicago skyscrapers, sunrises, and Fall foliage, I wanted to share with you a recent encounter that made my heart sing.

The train stop I frequent is often filled with a buzz of people going in all directions at once. Folks move quickly in big cities, and Chicago is no exception. Often you will see people standing outside of the train station, whether it be to ask for money, or to simply have some place to ‘hang out’ for a while.

Last week while making a dart for the train I noticed two men outside of the station holding clipboards. They were spaced apart, one vying for the attention of pedestrians going in and out of one door, and the other fellow attempting to catch the attention of folks at the other door.

I must tell you that I tried to avoid eye contact, as I thought, “Oh no, now what?” This happened a couple of days in a row. Finally, on the third day of seeing these men I figured that I’d at least break with my normal tradition and ‘hear them out’.

As soon as the one fellow caught my glance, he approached me with the most polite demeanor. He briefly explained that he was seeking signatures for support of a candidate running for a political position in my neighborhood. The man told me who was currently in the position, and why he thought the candidate he was supporting was worthy of the job.

I decided to sign the form. As he thanked me, he handed me a pen, but it was almost out of ink. Fidgeting around in my pocket I said, “Here, I have a pen, and you can keep it after I’m done.” As I began to sign the form, the man once again thanked me and commented, “Hey, I’m left-handed, too!” I think being left-handed gives you membership into a special club! You don’t hear people saying, “Well now, will you look at that! I’m right-handed too! What are the odds?”

Suddenly the other man with the clipboard approached us. He too asked me if I could sign his form, and provided me with information about his candidate. I noticed that this man was holding a pen in his left hand. I had to say it. “I’m left-handed, too!” The grin on his face lit up the dull gray and rainy skies above. It was an impromptu meeting of a lefty fan club!

[courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/foxsunshine/left-handed]

“You are a real nice lady,” was the response from the ‘newest member’ of our club. I could feel the genuine goodness exuding from both of these gentlemen. I gave them both a hug because I just felt that it was what I wanted to do at that moment. After another round of thanks from both fellows, I was on my way, but not before I heard, “You stay safe, now.” These men knew the streets; that was what I felt.

As I walked home, I felt an extra little spring in my step. The clipboard fellows didn’t ask me for money, they didn’t ask me for anything except to listen to why they felt their candidate was a great choice, and to sign the support form. I’m glad I had a pen in my pocket. I’m also glad that I am left-handed (well, perhaps not always glad, but at that moment I sure was)! And I am happy that I stopped because it made me feel great for the entire day.

I hope your Sunday presents an opportunity for a, ‘kindness connection’ too!