Tram 12
I sometimes use public transport to Geneva, biking down to the Lausanne station, a train to Geneva, a $4.00 bus pass for the days activities, riding trams from one Bible study (catechism) to another before catching the 22:36 train home.
Last night, tram 12 was only 1/3 full. The young lady in front of me was droning on in nasal tones to the young lady next to me.
Yes, I want to immigrate.(Where?) Canada will often take those of us who are handicapped. You know, besides other things, I can’t see in one eye, but I get on just fine. Sometimes I even forget that I’m handicapped. Do you have any pets? (No.) I have a dog. He’s ten years old. Do you have any children? (No. I’m not married.) Oh really? Let me tell you: You are one of the kindest people I have met. I think you are an exceptional person.
I stepped off the tram thinking that my fellow passengers had offered each other wonderful, yet simple, gifts: listening to and answering questions from a stranger who evidently doesn’t get much attention (and on a tram, no less!); sincere appreciation expressed to a listener: You are an exceptional person.
March 8th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
Blessed are those who engage and listen to strangers.
March 8th, 2006 at 5:21 pm
I always seem to be just in front of some screaming child, and that’s was in my own car! I’ve only ridden public transportation twice in CA and don’t recommend it if one can walk or crawl.
March 8th, 2006 at 5:34 pm
It’s always been amazing to me how people will open up to complete strangers (or the barely or casually known) about sometimes deeply personal things…..like on a bus/train/plane or in a beauty shop! I think the world in general needs a listening Ear……
March 8th, 2006 at 7:14 pm
My attention is often the best gift I can give my students. It is completely free and I give it far too grudgingly. Thanks for the reminder.
March 8th, 2006 at 7:31 pm
I’m sorry, I dozed off in the middle of your blog. What were you saying?
Listening to people is what unites bartenders and priests. They just happen to dispense different spirits.