Talking to Strangers

I've always talked to strangers.  Some say, I've never met a stranger because after a few minutes I think they're my friend.  I love talking to people and hearing their story.  My kids are used to it, they don't always love it, but they accept it.  So, I talked to a couple of strangers yesterday.  Salesclerks at the mall.
First one I'll tell you about was in shoes at Macy's.  I exchanged my cute furry boots, that I'd actually never wear,  because I just feel too old to wear boots with my jeans tucked in to expose the furry band.  So, I was trying to find just the right boots for the trip.  The sales girl asked where we were going to which I gave my usual answer, "Around the United States for 5 1/2 months."  Her response surprised us!  "I did that!"  She then went on to say how much she loved it and how much she learned.  She told us the places she went:  Disneyworld, the Grand Canyon, the Empire State Building, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, and more.  I asked what kind of car? A volkswagon van.  Who did she go with?  Her dad.  How old was she?  9 and she still remembers it all.
Wow, 9 years old with your dad all around the U.S?  She told me, "He had cancer, so he wanted to take me."  He lived only about a year more after the trip.  She had tears in her eyes and so did I.  She said that now she really understands, now that she's older, what it meant to him and her, and how grateful she is.  That's no stranger...that's someone who values life with gratitude.