12/16/2017
ANOTHER DAY OF HAPPINESS
He stands about five feet tall, and his glasses are as thick as a two-paned glass. He waves at everyone passing in cars as he clutches his handheld stop sign. He is a crossing guard in Houston, TX. Monday through Friday, you will see him standing on the same corner, waving to people in their cars as they rush their children to school or as they rush to work. Even though his face doesn’t carry a smile, his pleasant demeanor is visible in how he leans down to the window level of the passing cars to make sure the people see him waving. In fact, his lips always seem to be in a poked position, revealing that he may even be whistling or singing. The older gentleman exudes an understanding of how to stay young. Often, drivers blow their horns and wave back at him. The joy he displays as he feverishly waves back makes others slow down to see this jolly-old man holding the big, red stop sign, which looks wider than his body. It is interesting to consider this reality; when watching the old soul, there are never any people or children crossing at this particular crosswalk, so in pursuit of doing his job to the best of his ability, he waves at the people in the cars early in the morning and mid-afternoon. He permeates happiness daily—an idea that so many often only consider during the holidays. The crossing guard seems to enjoy life every day and continues to respect it and value life and others through his constant reveal of gratitude.
