Leaving Paintsville Walmart, I Found myself stopped at the light adjacent to a man who I had never seen. He looked my way and nodded. During the duration of the light I couldn’t help but recall a story I had read just a few days earlier. In the story, the writer relayed the guilt she felt in not engaging with a homeless man she had seen at the Walmart in Prestonsburg, a few days earlier. I was curious if this might be him.
I have, through the course of… my life encountered many homeless souls. So much so that I even have a few favorites. However, I had never really gone out of my way to simply engage in conversation. That is kind of odd for me because I will generally strike up a conversation with most anyone. Usually though it is only because it is a matter of convenience. Sometimes it is just too easy to talk to a stranger. Today not as much. Today it required a certain dedication of desire to do so. Convenience being a requirement changed today.
With the turning of the light I circled back through the Lowes parking lot, getting stuck at the light to wait crossing back. Sitting across the street, I watched him hobble on his crutch to collect something from a car exiting Walmart. He was neither quick or graceful. Long walks are much longer with a bum leg. At the change, I crossed and parked at the bank and approached him about buying his lunch at the adjacent Wendy’s. He declined but thanked me just the same.
It was convenient now. We talked with ease. I asked him for his picture which he was more than happy to oblige. We only talked about the basics. His journey, his life his hope. Toward the end of the conversation I turned on my phone video to capture the last minute or so. Robert Dale Reel, “The Reel Deal”, who seemed more certain with himself than many, many folks I know, left me with much more than I could provide him.
I am glad this occurred. I saw you today and I am glad we talked. I have always said simple things are the best. A simple story is wrote and read and a simple realization made. Robert Dale Reel has a new friend, the memory of which has most likely faded for him. Our journeys are not at all similar but his is a little part of me now.
Feel the Burg 
What an honor you got that day; to run across Mr. Robert Dale Reel. I’m a little jealous.
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