Kindness

A young man has pulled frantically off the road into the huge parking lot where I'm walking toward my truck. He must have spotted us as he drove by.

I indicate I will wait for him as he swings around and parts his late model sedan - not big, not small but newish - and rushes out, fixing his tie as he approaches. He is professionally dressed, white shirt, tie, black pants. He puts me in mind of a politician's campaign manager or the like.

He continues to rush over to me, smiling, extending his hand further enforcing my opinion of his profession. He is gushing, I think, welcoming me, telling me how glad he is he spotted me.

He tells me he's always wanted to ask CodePINK a question. I tell him to shucks, go right ahead.

The amazing question he wants to know is does CodePINK think that we can just be kind and stop invading countries and that will solve the world's problems?

I am stunned. Does he hear himself? Could he possibly hear himself. I know he intends to point out our extreme naivety, our pathetically simplistic attitudes that certainly could never grasp the complexities of the world.

As he attempts to continue to speak of the necessity of war, I stop him. I make him repeat his question. Over and over.

I repeat his question and ask HIM what does he think? Does he hear what he says? Kindness and cease invasions.

He seems to get it but it's like a kid who gets Santa Claus is a nice idea but a child's idea.

Imagine that - if we were kind to the world.

oh no, no keys in the ignition again! to be continued

I am too late to get biodiesel outside of Tucson, even if it is open on Sunday. The Phoenix biodiesel is closed Sundays - tears.

I drive from sun down until I cross the New Mexico border and stop at the last rest stop in New Mexico. I love the New Mexico rest stops - they always have privacy with long loops, often far removed from the highway, and spaced individual picnic areas. Sometimes they have interesting trails for exploring the nearby terrain.

I do not want to sleep long while the sun is gone so I have set the alarm to allow me 2 hours rest. I awake 4 a.m. feeling refreshed and ready to beat the heat into Texas and my next delivery. Plus I want to jog a little before driving, just to make sure I'm totally awake and not just dreaming. And I'm on an exercising roll!

I jump out the truck observing the few cars and trucks resting there. As I begin to quietly close the door I instantly realize I've left my keys - and now locked my keys - inside.