30 People. 30 Days. Day 17: Leon

I never met Leon. But I wish I had.

Today I just wasn’t in the mood to meet anyone. I watched a lot of people. I smiled at nearly everyone I saw. And although no one stopped to chat with me, I was content with sitting alone on Leon’s bench, in the park, enjoying a fresh mango with lemon juice and chili pepper.

It’s not like I didn’t want to interact with others. It’s just that I had been talking with people all day, and I was done. I wanted to be alone and gather my thoughts. I needed someplace quiet to do it. And I couldn’t think of a better person to do that with than Leon. After all, we do have a lot in common.

He was an extraordinary husband. A father to three children. He had a passion in his life that perhaps he made into his career. I’m pretty sure there is a lot more to know about him, I just didn’t get the chance. Leon died long before I could introduce myself.

​In speaking for him, I suspect Leon would want you to know that time is precious, use it wisely. Meet as many people you can. Gather their stories and become a story for them to pass along to someone else.

But that is just a hunch I had, sitting there dripping lemon and mango juice on my shirt and pants. I wondered if Leon like to sit on park benches and people watch. Perhaps he too was a messy eater. I’m sure he had a nice smile. And I bet you anything he liked mangos.