Image Source: Me
I was sitting inside Starbucks and thinking what I will be doing to my life to fulfill my dream. I realize that there was no one sitting near the windows. The clear view to the other side of the street caught my attention. The crappy looking building cross street is actually a book store. There are many people inside the book store and reading the books.
This inspired me to re-think how I look at others. If I am away from the windows, I can only see the crappy building. When I get closer to the windows, I see a beautiful book store. A book store helps many enriching their life. So I was not seeing the big pictures about the book store. I thought it’s just an abandoned building.
My eye sight was too narrow. I should look at a thing closer, in order to better understand what it actually looks like.
So I decided to move down stair and sat closer to a bay window. While I was sitting there drinking my favorite coffee. I saw an old gentleman walking by the window and standing there for over 20 minutes. He got my attention.
I couldn’t resist pressing the camera bottom to capture him. He looks quite handsome, but lonely. I guess he is about 85 years old and was waiting for someone to show up. That person has never shown up.
He stood there with a charming smile for about 20 minutes and left. I asked the staff at Starbucks about the old man. They told me that he stood there everyday at the same time for at least 1 year.
No one ever asked him who he was waiting for. He seems very much enjoying that in his own world. I don’t know what he is thinking. I can tell he is a rich man by looking at the leather jacket and hat. I assumed he is waiting for his long lost love one.
Although he always put up that smile, I can tell he looks lonely as an old man. Now. I felt a little bit lonely too. I miss my wife while I am traveling alone to Taiwan. If I am as old as that gentleman, I would rather have some one stood next to me than be alone. Money won’t mean anything, if you got no one to share with. A lovely one stand by me is priceless.
Now! I see the big picture.
Reading your post reminded me of a proverb: “look at your troubles thru a telescope and look at your blessings thru a microscope”. And I agree, all the money in the world is no use if you have no one to share it with.
That’s like major deep s*** man. Nice. I had a Taiwanese friend once…
Twitter: TerenceChang
says:
@Steve:
You should have more Taiwanese friend though. They are all very nice!
Wow, I wish I could have been there the next day to stand by him and talk to him. Just as this was a great story, I am sure that he would have some very great stories to tell. You should go meet with him one day, or post the address and time here so someone can.
Twitter: TerenceChang
says:
@Promotion Dude:
That sounds like a good idea. I just don’t want to interfere with other’s personal life.
Good point, I didn’t think about that. He might be very happy doing what he does, and not necessarily need or appreciate interference. Still he looks like a very interesting person one might want to get to know. Thx, for the great post, it really got me thinking!
Nice post. Thought provoking!
Terence, that is a GREAT post!! With a very nice photo, too.
You have inspired me to start writing better articles for my site:)
The photo of that old man caught my attention too. I am not sure if is that very attracting. He might come there and have a look at things around which might remind him something from his past like childhood. Not sure though.
Twitter: TerenceChang
says:
@TechnologySlice:
Thanks!
@Mark:
I don’t expect to hear that, but I am glad that you like this post. I like what you have on your blog as well.
Very cute article. Even I totally agree with you. Life is without any juice if you do not have a partner to share your happy and sad days with. Life with loneliness is very bad. When I see old people around who are left all alone with kids being busy in their life and partners lost in life it makes me very sad. It’s easy to say that live life to the fullest, but it’s tough for people who are alone to live life happily.
Twitter: TerenceChang
says:
@Steve:
No nofollow is a great way to encourage people to leave comment. John Chow is using “Nofollow” in the comments. I think people would not mind to leave comment if the blog is very popular.
Thank you sharing.
@Dandruff:
You made a really good point. I hate to live alone after I met my wife a long time ago. When you got married, you are living for two. It’s not easy to live on your own.
So keep a good marriage relationship is very important.