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Shared Space... A Different Reality... ðŸŒđ  

Paulxx001 67M
8704 posts
4/2/2020 11:00 am

Last Read:
12/25/2020 5:04 am

Shared Space... A Different Reality... ðŸŒđ

Once upon a time...

Many of us live in our own rendition of reality. We're oblivious anyone else's ; even though, we might share the same space with them. On that day - amongst the clutter and din - I noticed someone else's truth, as I sat there.

I was in one of my favorite burger restaurants : the place was packed with people. It usually was, on 'Two for Tuesdays', where - you guessed it - any meal on the menu was ; two, for the price of one.

Joining me were friends. We had spread a variety of bulging burgers, fries and crispy onion rings and ice cold soft drinks - across every available inch... of that tiny square table. We had enough food and calories stacked, feed a family of eight. We'd accomplished our goal - getting our money's worth - and so had everyone else in that brimming restaurant. Loud groups of men, women and - cheerfully enjoyed their gluttony. 

I was chomping through my food when I noticed a dark haired man (my age), walk gingerly towards the only empty table - the one in the far corner. He wore a long grey, rumpled overcoat, draped on a faded blue suit. On his shoulder was a large, worn-out knapsack and in his hands he held a tray - carrying a pair of hot dogs. He settled into his seat, carefully placed the bag beside him on the floor and pulled out a water bottle. Then he began to slowly, eat his meal.

As I chewed, I paused and thought to myself ; "Why would a hungry man, buy a hot HERE?" I mean, they weren't bad - they just weren't worth buying. Especially, when you could purchase ONE of their 'famous' hamburgers - and get TWO.

The answer was obvious and the only one that made sense. You'd only buy that in a bun - if you couldn't afford , to buy the burger.

I had eaten my quota, risen from my seat and carried my tray to where all the others were stacked. I then headed towards the washroom and past the man in the rumpled overcoat. As I reached him, I dug into my pocket and placed a folded ten dollar bill next to the edge of his tray. He paused from his meal, looked down at the money and then at , as I continued walk. 

Upon exiting the 'men's room' - above the ruckus of the crowd - I heard a voice rise in an ever increasing volume ; "Sir... Sir," I turned see who was hollering. It was the man in the rumpled overcoat. He looked at , mouthed the words ; "Thank you," and nodded his head in gratitude. I nodded back and noticed tears welling in his eyes. I made my way back my table. Food remnants were still piled high and my friends' laughter filled my ears. But my heart felt sad.

As I sat down, I glanced again at the man in the rumpled overcoat. He waved , flung his bag over his shoulder - then walked outside. I presumed, it's where he preferred be - or perhaps... not. One of my buddies snapped my gaze - with a question.

"I'm sorry... I wasn't paying attention," I replied.

And it's true. I guess I don't pay attention, often enough. How many of us do?

.........................................
. ..


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
4/2/2020 11:00 am

Today's my birthday. Doesn't feel much like a birthday. Feels kinda messed up.


Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
4/2/2020 11:09 am

I wonder how many of us actually pay attention to what's going on around us. ðŸ˜ķ Or would we get bogged down if we did? ðŸĪ”

Then again these days... paying attention is an easy task.


sexyldy1000 68F  
9607 posts
4/2/2020 12:29 pm

The state of today's world is having a far-reaching impact on every aspect of our lives. We cannot be with our loved ones who reside outside our 4 walls, visit with friends or our favourite restaurants, historical sites, go to work, etc...the list goes on and on. My heart also goes out to those whose loved ones are in hospitals and nursing homes who are lonely and afraid.
When we get through this nightmare, social distancing and self-isolation may be the new norm. And that will be sad beyond belief.
Find comfort in knowing that others are wishing you well today and always.


Paulxx001 replies on 4/2/2020 6:49 pm:
Thanks...❗ Much appreciated.ðŸŒđ
These days there's a lot to think of. Hope you can try and smile through it. 💕

Tmptrzz 61F  
107039 posts
4/2/2020 12:29 pm

Thanks for sharing another part of your life, your so generous. It's nice to give to those that can't afford a meal. I am sure he really appreciated your generosity, as not many do these days. I hope you have a great Thursday..

Seduce the mind and see what a wonderful adventure the body will take you on..


Paulxx001 replies on 4/2/2020 6:56 pm:
These days, we could all use a friendly voice and a kind hand. Keep on smiling. ðŸŒđ

mufdiver69er2 63M  
1953 posts
4/2/2020 12:33 pm

may you live to be a hundred years,and drink a million beers,get plastered,you bastard,happy birthday to you...............remember that song from a few years ago where the lyrics asked...what if god was one of us,waiting for the bus? another thing to ponder...........

woop woop


Paulxx001 replies on 4/2/2020 7:30 pm:
That song asked a simple question. Great example! 👍
Cheers 🍷 🍷 ❗ 😎

mc_justmc 63M

4/2/2020 12:56 pm

I've often overlooked my surroundings. Happy Birthday!


Paulxx001 replies on 4/2/2020 7:38 pm:
Thanks for the wishes.
Cheers 🍷🍷 😎
I'm vigilant for traffic these days. No speed limits and some guys are motoring.
Oh... and... she never did, come outta that cake. 🎂 ðŸ˜ķ

lust4life59 65F  
2552 posts
4/2/2020 1:36 pm

I went out in civilization yesterday, grocery store and filled up with gas. Had someone cut in front of me in the grocery line, because he didn't realize I was so far back to keep within the social distancing guidelines. I was nice, said something like, hey, I'm in line, at the proper distance, but he countered with, "this social distancing thing doesn't work very well in grocery stores" and kept his place. I just smiled and backed up. I went through a drive thru to pick up some lunch, and through the window I could see the cook dancing in the kitchen, I laughed and smiled, he stopped, looked embarrassed. I said Please don't stop, you've been the highlight of my day!.
People need to be acknowledged, for whatever reason. A kind word or gesture goes a long way. ANd yes, my reality might be different than theirs, but in the end, we're all human beings.

And Happy Birthday!!!! I'll have a drink tonight in your honor.....lol


Paulxx001 replies on 4/2/2020 7:47 pm:
I like the turn you took to point out the positives things we can notice as well. I try and do that all the time.👍❗
Cheers 🍷 🍷 😎

Paulxx001 67M
22642 posts
4/2/2020 5:24 pm

This is such a bleak post. Sheesh... 🙄ðŸĪ”
Yeah... I'll lighten up a bit. Spent some time on the phone with family and friends. It's all good! ❗
Cheers...❗ 🍷🍷😎


positively4you 74F  
4605 posts
4/2/2020 6:25 pm

Happy Birthday.


Paulxx001 replies on 4/2/2020 7:55 pm:
Thanks and cheers! 🍷🍷😎
I hope your evening is wilder than mine.
I'm watching the golf channel. Is there a sport more peaceful? ðŸĪ”

secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
4/3/2020 3:28 pm

Happy belated birthday.

I wish there were more people like this out there in the world, it would be a much nicer place.


Paulxx001 replies on 4/3/2020 3:54 pm:
It certainly would, wouldn't it?
And you'd know... where you are. You're still on the front lines. 💕
Thank you and cheers, to you and yours!🍷🍷

pocogato12 71F  
37235 posts
4/5/2020 2:17 pm

I missed your birthday- was doing ordered LOCKDOWN. Too bad we could not have shared a slushie!!! Hope your children remembered!! XXX

(Virtual Symposium Group) use Virtual Symposium Group


Paulxx001 replies on 4/5/2020 3:02 pm:
My daughters (they live together) and I shared the six feet... we were alloted to. I came with a purpose.

I was passing on the electric piano and keyboard I have - that I rarely use. They would benefit. I opened my trunk... and my youngest (the musician) looked at me. It was my birthday...

She broke and dove towards me with tears in her eyes ;"This is fucked up..." she whispered, as she cried into my arms. My oldest, had walked down the stairs and was shocked to see us hugging and then.... jumped towards us. We all hugged and cried for about a minute until sanity checked in. And then... it was too late

I don't regret it at all. I chilled with them at their place for about an hour or more. Yep... That's what my day was like.

It's all good. ❗🍷🍷😎

pollly_anna 60F  
697 posts
4/7/2020 12:12 am

Belated .Happy Birthday.........


Paulxx001 replies on 4/7/2020 7:59 am:
Thank you so much.
I LOVE cake! ❗🍷🍷😎
It was a pretty quiet day for me. Weird... 😊

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