A close encounter with a "glass half full" kind of guy

Now, this is what I would call a positive outlook in action.

While walking on our riverside trail earlier this week, I came upon a man in a wheelchair and his dog, who wore an “emotional support animal” vest. With the owner's permission, I stopped to pet the friendly brown pooch.

I didn't ask why the man was in a wheelchair or why he has an emotional support animal; it would have been rude to pry. He didn't volunteer any information either, but based on observation alone, it seemed clear that he's had his share of problems.

As I resumed my walk, I told the man to have a good day. I said this automatically, almost unconsciously, as another way of saying goodbye. But the man’s response gave me pause. “Any day above ground is a good day,” he said with a smile.