Slice of Life in Atlanta

Slice of Life in Atlanta

7.2.19

   On our annual trip to Atlanta to run the 10k Peachtree Road Race, I had some interesting slices of life. The first one was at the Atlanta airport. We 

On our annual trip to Atlanta to run the 10k Peachtree Road Race, I had some interesting slices of life. The first one was at the Atlanta airport. We

had left the plane and headed for the baggage claim area. We jumped on the train to go to the end of the ride. I hurried on and grabbed a pole to hang on. All of a sudden I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Ma’m, would you like a seat?”  A tall, older African-American gentleman was looking at me. I said, “Oh, no, I’m fine.”  After turning away from him, I looked back, smiled and said, “Thank you anyway”

     After retrieving our bags we headed for MARTA to take us to the hotel. We got on the escalator and rode to the top. When we got there, a homeless man was standing in the doorway to the train shouting, “North Springs!  Hurry, hurry. Get on here!” So we rushed on and sat to watch him continue to help people find the right train. When the train was full and the doors closed the man started talking. He told all of us that he was homeless and would appreciate some money. 

     He walked down the row and several people gave him money. He thanked them. At the next stop he got off and headed for the train going in the other direction—back to the airport. 

     My last encounter was at Buckhead’s Barnes and Noble bookstore. After purchasing three books we went to check out. A delightful older lady helped us. She was making polite conversation as she worked. “What exciting things are you two going to do for the holiday?”  

      I smiled and said, “We’re going to run the Peachtree. Then that night we’re going to a Braves game.”  

    She said, “Wow! That’s the perfect American way to celebrate the fourth.” She continued to tell us how she always watches the race and had even run it before. She said that was when she was in her sixties. She’s now 81 and doesn’t think she’ll do it again...unless she does it when she’s 90! 

   As we left, she waved and said, “I’ll be watching for you!”  We told her we’d wave when we saw her! What a delightful day filled with small slices of life!