I saw him walking out of the office building. He was heading down the steps one at a time. But I mean one at a time…each foot getting onto the same step before the next step. He carried a small briefcase. His suit was a bit wrinkled. One shoelace on one shoe was open and flapping around on each step.
There was a time when he was different. Not that many years ago. He was loud and seemed bigger. Yet, choices had been made. Those choices seemed right at the time but were so wrong as time unfolded. As he made them he had to know they were wrong but rationalized them away believing or hoping there would be no cosmic consequence. But there is always a cosmic response. It is the nature of the universe. He just hurt too may innocent ones on his perilous journey of choices.
He saw me and gave a weak smile. The usual exchanges. Then, his comments about the toughness of it all for him. I asked him how the family was. He talked about the divorce. I asked him how the kids were. He discussed how he hadn't seen them or the grandkids for awhile. He asked…so what's the secret. Who can say. Maybe choices along the way that add up…but I didn't say that.
I wished him well and headed on my way.
I turned and saw him crossing the street and vanishing around the corner.
It is all so fragile. It is all so interconnected. It is all so cosmic in nature.
What has value. What matters. What is your secret.
It has been said that knowing others is intelligence but knowing yourself is wisdom.
In the ageless experiment spend time with yourself and appreciate the frailty of the journey.