Conversations That Matter

Sometimes, poignant conversations can and will transpire in the strangest of places, the weirdest of times, and with people with whom you have never conversed. Talks or discussions that resonate with us are also the ones that find a place in our memories, carving out a small niche in our mind where they dwell until we call upon them again. These are the talks that serve us well, that help us relay those life lessons to others, and are the things that make us human.


Recently, I purchased lumber at Home Depot, a rather innocuous event that I have completed without issue dozens, maybe hundreds of times. In my free time, I have been building a small shed in our backyard that will house my lawn and gardening tools. It is nothing massive, but it has been my little project that I am pretty proud of, and one that allows me to hone some basic carpentry skills.


I pulled my old pickup truck to lumber loading area then hopped out and grabbed my cart holding a couple of large pieces of press board and siding for my shed. The usual helpful workers clambering around the store were not to be found as I began transferring my small stockpile into the bed of the F-150. An older black gentleman stopped and asked if I needed any help.


"No sir, but I do appreciate you asking," I responded.
"You sure you're strong enough to pick that stuff up by yourself?" he asked.
I laughed. "I reckon I can manage, but thanks again."


I picked up the first 4 x 8 piece of press board and watched it slip out of my hands as I turned to put it into the bed of my truck.


"Alright, son, now I'll help ya'," the man told me.
I laughed again. "Well, thank you."


As we loaded the material he noticed another gentleman smoking a cigarette.


"You know, I stopped smoking in 1970," he explained.
"Oh yeah?" I asked.
"Yep. I regret I ever started smoking. Picked up another bad habit too," he said.
"What's that?" I asked as I slid another board off the cart.
"Chasing women," he said matter-of-factly. "I got married when I was sixteen years old and my wife was fourteen. Been married fifty-seven years now. I used to go out on weekends acting the fool, but my wife finally told me she didn't care. Said that was less for her to have to deal with when I was out on the weekends. After she told me that, I started staying home," he laughed.


I cackled. "Well, women certainly know how to put things in perspective, don't they?"
"They sure do, son. Do you have any regrets?" He asked me.
I stopped loading the truck and wiped a large bead of sweat that was making its way down the side of my face.
"I'm a grown man, sir, and I have a lifetime of regrets. I just try real hard to forgive myself and push forward," I responded.
He shook his head and laughed. "I know you're right."


Regrets, forgiveness, introspection, and good conversation make for real life.


As a wise person once said, "Live, laugh, and love."


Y'all be well.