It's easy to understand how as a society we lack faith and trust in each other. Especially in light of what is taking place around us, both at home and abroad. I too have fallen victim and find that I am untrusting.
My job takes me to places on the road with names that you either can't spell or pronounce. And they're almost impossible to find on a map. It makes the journey more of a challenge than the actual job itself. And what happened to me recently puts a whole new spin on trusting.
During a recent study I was asked to do I had to spend a few weeks in the rural outback. I was totally surprised though at how friendly people were. Fully willing to help out or assist you. I mean you still get the oddballs and weirdo's but they're everywhere. It's safe to say that there are all kinds of kooks in this world and they're all spread out.
While working, I study the flow of traffic as well as the density and types of vehicles. Once the data has been downloaded into my computer it's converted into a data file that I can put into graph form and print out for the client.
Anyways, I was at the side of the highway at an intersection in the middle of nowhere. Basically I was doing a truck safety survey for a residential developer interested in building a sub-division but also concerned about traffic in the area.
It had just gotten dark and as I sat there a pair of headlights came from behind. Instead of driving by, the vehicle slowed down and pulled onto the shoulder behind me, the headlights blinding me for a second before the driver shut them off. If it was the police I was used to that. Though usually they know ahead of time that I'll be in the area.
I watched the car door open and with the faint light of the interior I saw two feet, clad in high heels emerge. As I heard the car door slam shut I at least knew it wasn't the police. I hit the button on the door and lowered the window down. To my surprise it was an elderly lady. A very attractive elderly lady, wafting heavily of expensive perfume. She leaned towards the window, "Are you alright young man?" she asked.
I was surprised by her concern and that a lady such as her would even think to stop and talk to a strange man. It told me that she was quite obviously a very confident and capable women regardless of her seniors status. "Yes I am Ma'am and thank you very much for stopping and asking!" I said, answering her with a big smile.
She placed a hand on the door of my car and leaned closer, "Please young man, Ma'am sounds so old. makes me feel my age, please call me Alice." she boldly told me. "Well Alice it's a pleasure to meet you!" I offered her my hand. As we shook hands, I told her "My name is Ronald but Ron is what I go by."
"Well Ron it shall be then. So, Ron tell me are you working for that builder? You are aren't you?" she said with an informed tone or voice. "Yes Alice I am as a matter of fact. But how may I ask did you know that?" I queried. "I'm on the local residents committee and played a big part in having this survey done in the first place."
"Ah, I see..." I responded. "So when I saw you here for quite some time and then still here when I returned home I figured that to be the case." she wittingly replied. "Well I must say I am impressed! And also very lucky to meet a woman who is not only confident but also very logical, a very rare species these days. Very rare indeed!" I told her as a quick breeze blew open her coat and I caught a glimpse of her cleavage that quickly turned into an embarrassing stare. "I live just over there," she said pointing,"see the red barn mailbox? Well that's my house. Can I offer you a coffee, tea or perhaps something a wee bit stronger when you're done here?"
"Aaaaaah ..... well ....." I stammered and was all I could mumble. "We can discuss the results of your study in more detail?" she insisted. "I suppose there's no harm done by stopping in for a moment or two." I said accepting her invitation.
