Last week, while in Los Angeles, I stayed at Jonathan Club. I had some time in between meetings, so I went for a walk. A few blocks over, I popped into a Starbucks Coffee Company for an iced coffee. In line was a young man with a white cane, a device used by many people who are blind or visually impaired. Behind him was an older Asian gentleman in a wheelchair. After waiting in line for a few minutes, the young man turned to his elder and said, “How are you doing today?”
“I’m fine. How are you?” I wasn’t able to see the man’s facial expression, but I could hear the smile on his face.
“Oh, I am fine. Can I ask you a question?” The young man leaned over and asked, “How do you open doors? The ones that aren’t automatic…”
“I figured it out!” said the man with confidence.
The two continued their conversation and when the young man ordered, he turned around and offered to pay for the disabled man’s drink. He declined, but I smiled at the exchange. A few minutes later they said their goodbyes and parted ways. While these two may never see each other again, this dialog made my day. To watch it all happen while waiting in line for a cup of coffee… Incredible.
