Motivation #2 by Darren Kleven

Sometimes the most pleasant things just happen...

Wonderful reminder yesterday riding the bus from downtown of how much I enjoy and respond to old people...probably some more than others.

Impromptu conversation all the way to the south end library with an 80 year old Finn? (based on accent) woman. It started at the bus terminal when she asked me how much I paid for my snowshoes (I was carrying Anne's and had mine strapped to my pack from walking into town yesterday morning). It continued as we sat facing each other across the back aisle. What an incredible old soul...intrepid, inspiring, full of life. I loved her instantly. She had two walking poles because, as she offered, she had to stop running a little while ago because of knee problems and she had to stop cross country skiing recently because of shoulder problems. She was now reminiscing and re-thinking about taking up snowshoeing again. We talked about getting outside and the value of exercise and the vigour that fresh cold air brings...BTW she still loves shoveling and she, like myself, highly recommend it over so called "labour saving" pollution spewing tools such as snowblowers.

In the end I helped her off the bus, though she didn't really need my help. She thanked me for the assistance and the conversation and I rode away missing her...24 hours later I still do and it makes me consider that maybe I should be doing something about it...

Not exactly sure what though...

She is the template of how I want to live and be until the very end of my days...perhaps she was a gray haired angel (for lack of a better more accessible description)?