Being open to the possibilities when a stranger stops to chat

A complete stranger walked up to me at a pizza shop here in Augusta, Maine, last night while we were both waiting for our orders.

"How old are you?" he asked, leaning on his cane while giving me a keen, appraising look.

"Sixty-six," I said. Figuring I might as well be just as snoopy as he was, I followed his lead.

"How old are you?"

"Sixty-eight."

After he told me about his myriad ailments (multiple back surgeries, etc.), his wife's medical problems and his military service in assorted countries back in the day, my pizza arrived. As I went up to the counter to pick it up, my new friend offered a parting comment.

"We'll be eighty soon,” he said.


"Don't even think it," I replied.


One thing I learned a long time ago as a newspaper reporter is that, more often than not, talking to strangers will bring a smile to your face.