Sometimes
casual conversations provide a lesson in humility.
A number
of years ago I was a known public figure by virtue of being a local television
anchorman in a large metropolitan market.
I was on
the air delivering the news each weeknight at six o’clock and eleven O’clock
and did so for many years.
On
weekends, I would choose to get away to the mountains for relaxation in a
reclusive environment. Sometimes my family would join me and other times I
would go alone.
Late one
Friday night after a newscast I drove alone to a mountain cabin, I stopped at a
roadside tavern to pick up a six-pack of beer. I ordered the beer and said to
the bartender I’d have a short one since I was only a few miles from my
destination.
As he
poured a small glass of draft with a creamy bead on it the guy next to me said,
“I know who you are”. I introduced myself and said, “thank you for tuning in
from time to time.”
He said,
“You have an interesting job.” I agreed with him. Then he said, “I do too.”
“What do
you do?” I asked.
“I’m a
garbage man.” He replied. Before I could say anything, he continued. “ I see
more wonders of nature hanging off the back of a garbage truck than most people
see in a lifetime.”
I
listened with wonder and attention as I sipped my beer.
He said,
“You know, there is one spot in all these beautiful mountains were you can see
seven mountain tops from one spot. Not very many people know where that is.
I’ll show you sometime if you’d like?”
I said,
“ I would.”
We never
did connect again. I’m sorry we didn’t for I would have like to have known this
fellow a lot better.
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