Today, as I was on my way home for a quick lunch, something caught my eye. An elderly man, standing by the roadside with a walker, had his thumb out, trying to hitch a ride. It was an unusual sight, and something about it made me hesitate. On impulse, I made a U-turn and went back to check on him.
I pulled up and asked if he was okay. He smiled and said he was trying to get to the dollar store about 1.5 miles away. It struck me that he might need something more than just a ride, so I offered to take him there.
As we drove, I couldn’t help but ask a few questions:
“How old are you?”
“93,” he answered with a chuckle.
“What’s your name?”
“Mike,” he said, still smiling.
“Are you married?”
“Yes, to Doris. She’s 94.”
“Does she know you’re out and about?”
“Nope,” he replied, “She probably hasn’t noticed I’m gone yet.”
I was intrigued, so I asked, “Why are we headed to the store?”
With a warm grin, he said, “My wife and I have a little tradition. We share a Hershey chocolate bar every night before bed, and we’re out. So, I’m here to buy 30 Hershey Bars.”
Before dropping him off, I handed him my card and said, “Next time you’re low on chocolate, don’t bother hitching a ride. Just give me a call. I’d love to meet Doris one day.