“I am going to work. Some of us have a job, you know!”
I suppose that is an excuse to rush into a left-hand turn while someone is crossing the road on a green. I had just stepped into the intersection as the walk signal began its countdown. He saw us. How could he not; I was with Odin, our big fluffy white dog in the lead. I am sure it was an intimidation tactic. He was thinking I would relent to let him zoom past. He didn’t know he was dealing with a college boy who once patrolled the picket line as a faculty member. Just keep walking. They won’t ram you. Most of the time.
The window was open of the non-descript car, a 30ish driver staring in disgust. I looked at him directly and pointed to the illuminated signal, “You know that is a walk signal,” His angry retort followed. I kept walking.
If only he had given some kind of warning to let me know he was on his way to work, a light atop his vehicle perhaps, lit up to declare his intention, I might have relented to shave off ten seconds from his journey. Mind you, the other vehicles behind were probably on their way to work as well, given the time of day. I would need to let them all pass and wait for the next light, hoping there isn’t another string of vehicles going to work needing to make a left hand turn. Serves me right for taking my dog out, crossing a busy street on a work day during rush hour. What was I thinking? I can venture outside at any time so as not to inconvenience this harried, poor working soul. I am guessing he has another 35 years of waiting for pedestrians to cross at the stoplight before he can barrel down the road, late again.
At first, I was peeved, thinking of missed responses to this entitled piece of…. But no. I am thankful. Later, when I needed to run an errand with my car, I found myself being more conscious at the intersections, watching for people on the corners, driving with more care, allowing vehicles to merge when they signaled, not cursing when my patience meant waiting my turn. His lack of consideration brought out mine.
I also want to thank him for the compliment. Clearly, my appearance is one of an able bodied male, working age, capable of being gainfully employed rather than living off the system. How was he to know I have been retired for four years, having put in my time, continuing to pay taxes, still using my purchasing power to keep people like him employed. I am thankful he didn’t view me as that stereotypical elderly man and his dog, biding my time. He made my day.
I am grateful for my good health, my wonderful life, and the means to engage in activities of my choosing on my time.
It’s good work, if you can get it.
Wonderings 
Your dog is WONDERFUL!!!!!!! I observe many young people rushing through stop streets and I have to be very careful at traffic lights (we call them robots in South Africa) because some drivers often chance their arm to rush through at the moment the opposite light turns green. On the highways I cluck at vehicles speeding past me over the speed limit, passing on a solid line, and pushing into the traffic ahead to avoid an oncoming vehicle they shouldn’t have been in the way of. I remind myself that should I find that vehicle turned upside down ahead (providing no-one else is involved), I will contact the emergency services and drive on.
LikeLike