Turns out, Mr & Mrs K go back a long time. They met at Primary School as 6yr olds and are now still happily married in their late 80’s. It’s such a beautiful story how 2 people can be so connected from such an age and through the perils of life, keep that connectedness alive.
Mr & Mrs K were saying how they were going to a seniors concert that was on today and decided to spend the day in the city and walk by the harbour and see the views as they don’t get to the city much “these days”.Upon arrival in the City, we exchanged “Goodbye, have a lovely day, great to meet you” and went our own ways.
The day went by as per normal, and, in the evening peak, I got on my usual train to head home. Next thing, Mr & Mrs K are getting on the same train, the same carriage and take the seat next to me…again!I enquired about the concert (it was very good) and they enquired about my day (it was good) and we got chatting for the way home. It was then, Mr K said something that resonated deep within me. He was saying how that when he was a boy, he’d always try to fit in with the older boys (his brother and friends) to be allowed to play football. The older boys didn’t want him to play because he was too young and they wanted to play with their group. Mr K didn’t like this and tried to act older and act like the type of person he thought the older boys wanted to play with. Mr K’s dad took him aside one day and said “Snakes shouldn’t wear vests because they have no arms”. At first thought, that seems extremely basic and slightly silly, but, once explained it’s actually quite deep and true. What Mr K’s dad was trying to explain to him was; it’s no good trying to be someone you’re not. It’s too hard and rarely works out. Just like for the snake, a vest would be a bad idea!! It might look good at first, but it won’t stay on…or the threads would fray being dragged along the ground.
This lesson from Mr K really resonated deeply within me today. Who would have ever thought, an elderly couple who I had never met before, would say something so resonating and thought provoking…not me!! I guess this just shows that lessons can (and do) come from the people you’re least expecting. If you’re supposed to learn some lesson, it will be taught to you. Clearly I was supposed to learn something about being myself today. And Mr K was the teacher that happened to pass on this lesson.
Elderly people are amazing teachers. They have lived their lives and have so much wisdom and experience to pass on. They have learnt the lessons, made the mistakes and picked themselves back up again. Now, in their elderly years, they have the ability to pass on that knowledge and to try to prevent us falling on our butts as much as they did.I know it’s VERY unlikely, but, Mr & Mrs K, if you happen to be reading this…Thank you!! You are two of the most beautiful people I have had the pleasure of meeting and thank you for making such a mark on my day.
Do you have any lessons taught by people you didn't expect? I'd love to hear about any instances total strangers have made a lasting impression.
Thanks for reading - it means the world! xx
