To set the scene...
It was about 5pm and we (Erin and I) had just had an amazing day in Brighton. We went into a bar and were finishing our day off with two for one cocktails. We had ordered the first two and were sitting around chatting when...
An older man then approached us asking if one of us would like his other cocktail as he only wanted one. At first, we were very apprehensive - coming from London where there are 'creepers' everywhere.
This man had a walking stick, was very wobbly on his feet and facially, there was 'something going on'.
We both exchanged quick 'argh, we can't say no but let's just keep smiling and say yes' glances, and offered him a seat at our table.
Hands down, best decision ever.
After making the first part of what could have been an awkward situation, we found we were in the company of a very special man.
He had an amazing sense of humour and was great with his comments and comebacks. We chatted about the usual stuff - our jobs, where we were from. We played some games - if you had to eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? If you could have any car in the world, what would it be? And so on....
As the conversation flowed, so did the beauty of it. Our new friend Chris said to us that he has Parkinson's and hadn't left the house in a long time, but was having 'a good day' today so thought he'd venture out.
He was so lovely and proceeded to tell us that neither of us had "a bad bone in our bodies" and "were very lovely to let him spend his evening with us".
His hilarity and wit continued to make us hoot with laughter, so much so, that we told him (and maybe convinced him a little) that he should become a comedian. He was oozing with so much happiness and gratefulness.
A few hours later, Chris left us to go back home. He thanked us again, shook our hands a few more times, and continued to tell us how lovely we were.
After he left, both Erin and I just sat there with big smiles on our faces and tears in our eyes. We had opened our hearts to a man who needed it.
Times like these, they're more than amazing. It's so rewarding to give someone the time of day, when I know a lot of others would've turned their backs on a situation like this.
It really made such a fun and memorable day, that much more.
