Meeting A New Friend

I have lived in Des Moines for three months now. I spend Sunday afternoons trying to get lost on the SkyWalk so that I will see different parts of it and the city. Usually, I am by myself the whole time and just wander. Yesterday was different.




I was wandering in an area that I am vaguely familiar with. I wanted to see what else might be in that area.



I had stopped by one of the huge glass areas and looking for familiar landmarks when a gentleman came up beside me and started telling me what some of the buildings and such were. I was a little concerned, but, there was a guard in the area so I knew I was safe.



He pointed out the park and told me the name. I will correct this next time. I knew the name of the park. I did not know where it was. Then, he pointed out where the Saturday Farmer's Market is when it is in season. I had wondered about it. It is not near as far away as I thought. When it starts, I will be going and plan to buy a lot. We do not have a downtown grocery store here so that will make getting fresh fruits and vegetables a lot easier.



He told me about the different buildings and one that they think they are going to have to tear down as it is just too far gone. Des Moines is a delightful mixture of old and new buildings.



He told me how he had been homeless a couple of times in his life but was now working and had an apartment. He was calling me "mama" by then. LOL He did show me where there was another small grocery store on the SkyWalk and for that I was thankful. I can get everything I need. Sometimes, the choices are just limited.



I was beginning to get tired and wondered if I could gracefully get away and go home. Just then, he said he needed to go on home.



I hope I see him on the SkyWalk occasionally. He was a delightful person to talk to. He did not appear to be down and out.



I know we have to use discretion in talking to strangers, but, when you are in a safe place, careful and don't give out personal information, you can meet some interesting people and learn a lot.



I had been helping with the homeless in Tampa a very long time ago. I had a little knowledge of what to expect. If all the things that were in place had not been there, I don't think I would have talked to him. But, look what I would have missed. I know more about "my" city and met an interesting person.

© Copyright 2009 Mary Ann Chidlow (UN: merian at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Mary Ann Chidlow has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.