short anecdote from yesterday.

[veteranvmb]

So I am at the park sitting by myself on the bench, smoking some churchill, that I have no idea what it is because the band was missing, and I see a man crossing the street with a cane, smokeing a cigaretter, and had a brown paper bag, which I assumed was liquor.

I just knew he was going to sit next to me. He crossed the street to the park side, and as he was walking past me said hello in a hard to understand voice, and kept walking till the end of bench(about 7 feet) and proceeded to sit down.

I noticed he had some sort of veterans hat on. He asked me how I was and told me his name and I told him mine. He was an african american, tall and thin, about my age(60 ish).

I noticed he was smoking something like a cigarette but it didnt look right. He said it was a cigar cigarette that he got for 3 dollars a pack. Cigarettes in new york I think are ten dollars a pack, but not sure.

I asked him if he wanted a cigar. He said sure.
He proceeded to open the brown bag and put a straw into a can of beer. He says thats all he does is smoke, and drink beer. I think he has a room at the veterans hospital nursing home, or in a day house, but he said he was a viet nam vet from the army, but he was basically a long time drinker, and was unintelligible for the most part.

He was making up a lot of stories as we went along, but I didnt say anything, so as Not to ruin his dignity. He said he was fbi, police, army, marine, fireman, anything. But I knew he was definatley in the army at some point, because he knew things only an army guy would. Such as the ins and outs of the va hospital we both go to in the Bronx.

Anyway, I asked him what kind of cigar he liked, and it turns out he has never smoked a cigar, and would watch me get it ready for him. I asked him, if he didnt mind me touching the cigar, and he said no, go ahead.

I took out out a thompson special figured it would be a good light smoke and I wouldnt be wasting anything if he didnt like it. I snipped the cap and toasted it in fron of him.
I then told him to put it in his mouth and I would put the lighter to it, for him to take a puff or two to get it going.

He did that, and then a couple of puffs later, he says the cigar has a big kick to it. I watched him on his next putt(he seemed to be enjoying it) but I noticed he was inhaleing the smoke. I told him thats not the way a cigar is too be smoked. Its to be enjoyed and tasted and smelled, but not really inhaled. He says thats the way he rolls.

Anyway, I noticed he started puffing and not inhaling and we chatted a while, about the various medications we were taking, and our ailments(all older people seem to do this for some reason. LOL) and a bit about the life on an infantryman.

Now remember it was very difficult to understand him. I assume hes an alcoholic that functions and keeps clean, but his speech is very muttled, and my hearing is also.

I had long finished my cigar at this point and told him I had to leave. I think he was sorry to see me go, and most people would probably not give him a second worth of time. I told him, I am usually hear at this time 3 or 4 days a week, and if he enjoys the cigar and wants another one, he knows where he can come.

I hope he doesnt make a habit of it, as I cant enjoy my own cigar when I am putting too much effort into pleasing him and trying to understand him, but once in a while would be good for him.

Thats all I have to say on this matter.

Much regards Jerry

[JCK]

Jerry, thanks for sharing a caring story. I'm sure you brought a smile to his face in otherwise what could be a routine day. Who knows, he may come across many characters just like yourself.

I wouldn't fret too much about enjoying cigars with him in the future. It seems that you gathered a great experience from this encounter as well. As time progresses and the stories have been told, I'm sure that the two of you can share a park bench and enjoy a cigar in quiet company.

A little kindness goes a long way.

[InvokeMe]

I think we will all be there one day, on a bench, waiting for someone to listen to our stories. It takes a kind soul to actually be that person who sits beside us.

[Stench]

Originally Posted by InvokeMe

I think we will all be there one day, on a bench, waiting for someone to listen to our stories. It takes a kind soul to actually be that person who sits beside us.

Couldn't have put it any better! Makes you think for sure! You the man, Jerry!

[Cigary]

I swear Jerry, you and I are so much alike it literally scares me. You always are aware of your surroundings and try to always do the right thing no matter what or where. You did indeed bring more to this gentleman than you are aware of,,,,that's what you get for being a "Good Samaritan",,,,,,keep up the good work!

[2Curious]

You should write a book! Collect your stories!
Seriously. I love catching up on your latest adventure or "thoughts on the matter".

Book Title: "Thats all I have to say on this matter."
Might have to start a contest to come up with the perfect title to your book. ;o)

Thanks again for sharing.

[veteranvmb]

Originally Posted by 2Curious

You should write a book! Collect your stories!
Seriously. I love catching up on your latest adventure or "thoughts on the matter".

Book Title: "Thats all I have to say on this matter."
Might have to start a contest to come up with the perfect title to your book. ;o)

Thanks again for sharing.

I was just thinking. Maybee I should get a really thin small compact digital camera. I see some at fye for ten bucks. I could visually document some of these experiences and photos of cigars I am smokeing.
I do not want to use my camera in my phone as that would seem to forward I think.
I will take a photo or two with my camera and see how the quality is. Mabee your folks can let me know. But it will probably be poor quality.

Much regards Jerry

[Jimbo57]

I can assure you that this was the highlight of that gentleman's day. Count on it, he will be back. As time goes on, the stories will become more truthful and enlightening. For both of you.

You did a great thing and you will be rewarded with his company. You just don't know it yet! There will come a time when he won't be coming around and you'll always wonder what happened.

[Cigary]

Originally Posted by veteranvmb

I was just thinking. Maybee I should get a really thin small compact digital camera. I see some at fye for ten bucks. I could visually document some of these experiences and photos of cigars I am smokeing.
I do not want to use my camera in my phone as that would seem to forward I think.
I will take a photo or two with my camera and see how the quality is. Mabee your folks can let me know. But it will probably be poor quality.

Much regards Jerry

Nothing says story time better than with pictures. As long as it is a jpg. picture it will come across very well on here. I have a digital camera that is 1.3 mgs and it produces great images. I used to do this years ago when I would go on my vacations and take photos of people in their own environments with a comical twist,,,it was a great hobby and people loved the photos.

[shunoshi]

Great story. Even though the encounter was interesting for you, I can guarantee that it made an impact on that man's life. I'm sure the majority of people ignore him daily, but that rare kindness is a special thing.

[5point0]

Great story Jerry.......like it was mentioned earlier......you made the guys day.
I am in cust serv for a large cable company, and sometimes I get an elderly person, who for the most part just wants someone to talk too. I am glad they get to my phone because Im happy to take some time with them...

I know I will be in that position someday, but.....well, thats whay I married a woman 20 years my junior.....I wont trouble a stranger....Ill just bug her

[FrankB]

Karma's a good thing.We should be judged on how well we treat the less fortunate.A big thumbs up to you for your kindness and patience.You will be repaid.FrankB