A coworker and I took daily walks; sometimes we ate chili once or twice a month—more in the winter. But these lunches weren’t about Joe; they were about the food, the company, the walk through the market, and the smells. It was a couple of guys getting away from the office and discussing all things “guy”. It was checking out hot chicks through mirrored glasses, and commenting on them the way two guys shouldn't. Getting chili was a combination of lunch, exercise, and getting out in the world.
On chili treks in the past, we've seen Cyndi Lauper get off a bus at a book store, an old lady get run over by a car, countless street vendors, and my buddy was even offered a toothless blow-job by a drunken Santa Claus. We've had many laughs on these walks, a few arguments, debates, and over ten years of memories. These walks, much like walks with other folk, enrich my life. But I also feel every event in my life is enriching in some way, good or bad. I think it’s important to let people know what they mean to you—if for no other reason to make them feel good about themselves. Who wouldn’t want that? I’ve started telling people what they’ve done for my life. Maybe I haven’t told you, yet (although I did tell Ron Nilson)…But I never told Joe.
Now Joe certainly didn’t know me or the part he played in these walks. He was 78 years old and died while snorkeling in Hawaii. Not a bad way to go. Sure, he recognized me and made a point to say hi when we walked in, but I wonder what he would have thought had I just taken less than a minute to tell him this:
"Hey, Joe, you know you make the best chili I've ever had? You're also a part of my regular lunch routine where I spend an hour walking and enjoying life and the world around me. You're a stop on that walk that I value very much and I enjoy your business, your food, and your friendly face and smile. Just letting you know that I appreciate your chili and you. Thanks, Joe."
It may or may not have mattered to him but I don't see how it would have hurt. He might have thought I was just another freak at the market. But it would have mattered to me as I would have been able to tell him rather than thinking about too late for either one of us to feel good. So I’m sharing it with you… Don’t let those opportunities pass.
On chili treks in the past, we've seen Cyndi Lauper get off a bus at a book store, an old lady get run over by a car, countless street vendors, and my buddy was even offered a toothless blow-job by a drunken Santa Claus. We've had many laughs on these walks, a few arguments, debates, and over ten years of memories. These walks, much like walks with other folk, enrich my life. But I also feel every event in my life is enriching in some way, good or bad. I think it’s important to let people know what they mean to you—if for no other reason to make them feel good about themselves. Who wouldn’t want that? I’ve started telling people what they’ve done for my life. Maybe I haven’t told you, yet (although I did tell Ron Nilson)…But I never told Joe.
Now Joe certainly didn’t know me or the part he played in these walks. He was 78 years old and died while snorkeling in Hawaii. Not a bad way to go. Sure, he recognized me and made a point to say hi when we walked in, but I wonder what he would have thought had I just taken less than a minute to tell him this:
"Hey, Joe, you know you make the best chili I've ever had? You're also a part of my regular lunch routine where I spend an hour walking and enjoying life and the world around me. You're a stop on that walk that I value very much and I enjoy your business, your food, and your friendly face and smile. Just letting you know that I appreciate your chili and you. Thanks, Joe."
It may or may not have mattered to him but I don't see how it would have hurt. He might have thought I was just another freak at the market. But it would have mattered to me as I would have been able to tell him rather than thinking about too late for either one of us to feel good. So I’m sharing it with you… Don’t let those opportunities pass.
There’s a good chance you didn’t know the Joe at “World Class Chili”, but I’m sure you probably know a "Joe". There must be someone in your life that is special to you and may not really know it. Is there a teacher you patterned your life after? Do you have a friend you appreciate? Do you call your own Mother? It's time to talk to them and let them hear how you feel while their ears are still functioning. Send them an email, Facebook, or use that thing on the wall with the rotary wheel and numbers on it and talk to somebody. They'll appreciate it and so will you.
Wanna get some chili?
Wanna get some chili?
