Sitting at my desk in a corner of the workroom of the Public Library, I don’t have any visual warning of someone coming to see me. Be it a scheduled appointment or one of those “I was hoping you would be here”, I have no idea who it is except by the sound of their approach down the stairs outside the doorway of the workroom. The bounders announce their arrival in much the same way as the arrival of royalty is proclaimed by trumpeters.
Landing in my office was a 60’ish looking man who identified himself as my 11 o’clock appointment. As a true bounder, he said that he “always likes to be a bit early!” I was abruptly brought back from la-la land where I had been planning a very enjoyable afternoon since I would be finishing work at one o’clock.
Standing still for just a few seconds I noticed this man had a good amount of black, wavy hair that made a striking contrast with his very white skin. There was ruddiness his cheeks, an easy smile on his face, and a twinkle in his blue eyes. He was on the short side of six foot, dressed in casual clothes—jeans, a red t-shirt with something printed on it that was no longer discernable, and brightly colored Nikes. Typical bounders’ apparel.
I stood to introduce myself and shake his hand. He was interested in our program’s computer tutoring and if anyone was available to help him to learn how to uninstall programs. As we were both standing and I had not been able to get a word in edgewise, I motioned for him to take a seat in a chair and then I sat down myself. He rolled his chair to the edge of my comfort zone and began telling me about himself. This bounder had lived in Australia for more than 10 years, worked in the largest women’s prison in the country, done some teaching, and is currently taking classes with the WILL organization. He wants to learn Spanish. Twenty minutes later, he candidly admits, “I am a talker so you will probably have to boot me out of here!”
I replied, “It is time for you to be moving along but it certainly was a pleasure to meet you.” Handing him a business card, I walked to the doorway and he bounded away.
The magnetic force of Silver City has snatched another one from the cosmos of unique individuals whose motto may be “Life is bound to be short so attack it with zest!”
And just think, they pay me to do this job!
Written August 3, 2010
This encounter was also a gift of my day.
