Rush Hour Traffic

Below is a story, a collection of thoughts that formed as I sat in rush-hour traffic for what seemed like forever. An elderly woman taking her time in the midst of our "rush-hour" inspired me. This piece came out of that inspiration and I am grateful... 

During rush hour traffic. An old woman set herself to cross the street at the intersection. Some unassuming good soul was the first car to stop. In order not to seem more inhumane than the next city dweller, the other cars stopped forming a courteous and polite line as the woman shuffled into the street. 

Plastered half smiles quickly turned into impatient stares that drilled holes into the woman's back deeper than memories.

As the cars piled up and the faces tightened it was evident that all plans and deadlines were to bow down to the small elderly woman. 

Everyone who sat waiting for her to cross saw her and though few may have recognized it at the time, they also saw what she represented. 

Behind the sunglasses and important personas eyes were forced to focus on one truth: One day every one of their busy schedules will slowly begin to wane with age. Aching joints and hands with deep lines carved into them that tell their own stories.

Fantasies of forever young were toppled with each slug-like step the little old woman made. The fountain of youth bowed and trembled in the presence of the regal gray tresses and the woman who took her time.

Schedules and egos, events and places-to-be all bowed. We bowed.  Although in western society we do not honor our elders the way we should, in a way I believe that as that old woman shuffled across the street, each step unrushed and deliberate, that was her way of saying, "see me. I am still here. I have wisdom. I have lived. I was once you and one day whether you embrace it or not, you too will be me."

May we continue to learn, grow, climb the corporate ladder, and crush goals. Let us be intentional about how we spend each day; let us treat each other with patience and understanding. Especially those who've lived longer and seen more.