Inspiration from Walmart?

            I know what you’re already thinking; really…Walmart!??   If you are like most, a visit to Walmart sends the negative emotions off the charts!  Scurrying around through the congested aisles while dodging grumpy, rude shoppers isn’t exactly inspirational.  Well, after an hour of frustrating shopping, I decided not to procrastinate one more day and fix my favorite sunglasses at the vision center.  While patiently J waiting in line to inquire if they could even help me, a distinguished older gentleman wearing a large silver cross around his neck suddenly struck up a conversation with me.  He was so proud that at the age of 86, he reads 2 books a week without readers or any prescription, but his distance vision did need a boost especially at night.  He happily continued his self-evaluation of his daily exercise regimen; excited that he feels great and doesn’t need a cane or a walker.  He continued on to share that when he was 72 years old his friends and family would grumble about his running fetish.  Jealous I suppose.  “If they were all still alive to see me now,” he exclaimed; I’m healthy, happy, and ride my bike 8 miles a day!”  He was full of vigor living life free of sickness, pain, and yep… NO MEDS!

            What an inspirational man!  He stood there as living proof that exercise is the fountain of youth.  Finally, as my turn in line was up, I was hesitated to the counter to hold on to his last few words.  For some strange reason I was just drawn to his company, and I could listen to him longer and yearned to know his name.  I paused thinking, that is silly, but boldly asked, “what is your name sir?  You inspired me today, and it was a pleasure meeting you.”  He smiled curiously, it is Claude-- as French as it gets.  I was floored, because that is the name of my precious father-in-law who passed away in a horrible car accident in 2007.  The ride home brought memories back of my kind, loving, most compassionate father-in-law who I love dearly.   Both inspirational men sharing the same name who touched many lives.  It was a great morning at Walmart.   Some days we drag and just need a touch of inspiration, and I got mine.