There's an older gentleman who walks through my building every day around lunchtime. I have no idea who he is - I've asked my officemate, and he's said he knows the man... maybe J's even told me his name and I've since forgotten it... but he's here every day without fail. I always know when he's coming because from the moment he steps out of his car, he whistles.
I've always had a special affinity for men who whistle. A beautiful whistle stops me in my tracks more than a warm smile, chisled jaw, or broad shoulder.
Lately, I've taken more of an interest in this man. When I hear him start whistling, I stop what I'm doing and watch him whistle his way through the parking lot. If he comes to my floor, I make up a reason to leave my office so I can pass him in the hallway. When he leaves the building, I watch him through the window until his car disappears around the corner.
I keep trying to work up the courage to talk to him. I've smiled at him and said hello, of course, but never started an actual conversation. I can't pinpoint why I'm so nervous about it - that's not really like me. I could always take the college spokesperson route and have a conversation about the institution. But I guess I want more than that. I want to tell him that hearing his whistling has become the highpoint of my day... that nothing makes me smile more than his melodies. I want him to know that every day he makes me think of my grandpa and just how grateful I am for the daily reminder.
Today he whistled "Amazing Grace," and it nearly brought tears to my eyes. I wonder sometimes about how many people in the building take notice of him - if they enjoy his whistling or if it gets on their nerves. Most of the time, though, I like to think that the songs are especially for me - that it's one of those curiously strong bonds that you sometimes form with complete strangers you see every day. It cheers me up a little to think that maybe I'm the only one who gets to enjoy the songs he brings with him.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
just whistling aloud to bear the courage up
tags:
i got music,
office space
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8 comments:
There's something about Amazing Grace that gets me teary NO MATTER WHO is playing it.
Sounds like a cool dude.
You should just flat out tell him. When you see him in the hall, just say - I hear you whistle every day, and every day it makes me smile.
It would probably make him really happy (Especially if other people are annoyed by his whistle).
Either way, this post was really sweet.
I always wonder about the people who you like/like you & would never know it otherwise.
When I was still working (& very pregnant) there was this really tall dude that worked at another company down the hall. We'd see each other in the elevator/hall and sometimes have a short conversation.
After I left, I guess he hounded the new girl at my work to email him when she found out I had my baby. She did and he wrote back about how happy he was and how excited and what a great gal I was.
I was like, wow. Someone I barely knew noticed me and thought something nice. He obviously wasn't trying to do me or anything, it was just sincere. In these negative times, it's really great to know people can still care about one another & make one another happy.
I agree, KC hit it right on the head. Just tell him that and see how he reacts.
This blog started out sounding a little like a stalker...but it turned around and became something very sweet and nice.
You should tell him!!!
Hi to you to! Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Awe, this is a sweet post. You should ask him flat out like they suggested or if you're not brave enough perhaps you could ask him what he's whistling. That could could your feet wet.
Thanks for all your awesome comments, everyone. I am definitely going to take your advice and talk to him next time I see him. I was in a meeting today, and I think I missed his trip... but now I have something to look forward to for next week :) Shibby!
you shibbied!!!!
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