I shared this story with my signal family this morning. My signal family is a group of friends who've agreed to let me group text them at least once a day. If you're not familiar with the signal app, it's awesome, and it's dangerous for someone like me. Even more dangerous for whoever says "sure Mike, you can add me." Chances are you'll end up with a minute long message from me singing Bobby Brown off key and talking shit to other drivers.
This morning I left my house to see a giant BMW parked on the street. This BMW started my day better than folgers and tropicana could ever dream. It wasn't my BMW, but it was definitely a gift.
A few years ago I came home from work one night to see 2 giant BMWs parked in front of my house. I don't own the street, but I pay taxes at gunpoint like any other decent society member, and I'd like to be able park in front my house.
Problem is, these 2 cars stay there for weeks at a time. Never seeing him, I rehearsed my encounter with the owner for months. Who the hell is this guy? Where does he live? Is there a batcave close by that he goes into at night? I'll forgive the parking spots if so.
One night I came home in a complete shit mood. On this day, I broke the record for mumbling and/or saying, "today ain't the fucking day." Ready to demolish a punching bag, I pull up to my house, 2 BMWs out front, and the owner. Holy shit. How lucky can one guy get? He's here. He's right there. It's like I caught Santa Claus. I was as excited as I was angry at life in the moment. Here's my chance. I get to let everything out on him. He'll never park here again, and I'll get some aggression out.
I walked by him and jumped in head first. "Nice cars man. I love looking at them everyday for weeks in my parking spot. Both of them." Now, a guy who owns 2 big body 740 BMWs, better reply with some arrogance. Especially since he parks them on my street and not in a nice garage. He replied defensively which just about made my day.
A few childish remarks later, I realized how stupid I was being in the moment. I felt like I was watching myself on TV and could see the real problem. Me. Not him. I had this epiphany right in the middle of a pissing contest argument, and laughed. Pretty hard. This poor guy was beyond confused.
I stopped myself mid-insult and just said, "I'm sorry. I'm blaming all my problems on you and it's dumb. Park your car in my living room tomorrow dude. I really don't care." The next few seconds were very awkward, so to break it up, I dropped everything I was holding on the ground, apologized again and offered a handshake. He hugged me. We fucking hugged.
Every time I see a BMW I think of that dude. I forget his name, know nothing else about him, and we may have seen each other in passing 4-5 times since then. I won't ever forget that night though. His ability to stop and forgive me on the spot might very well be the reason you're reading this.
I have no idea what he was capable of, and I dumped all my shit on a stranger. Haven't done so since. Not out of fear, but out of the same respect he showed me, even in the midst of my being a dick. Hope I get to do the same for someone one day.
I indirectly thank that guy more often than you'd think. Mostly through telepathy so I don't think he hears it, but next time I see him I have to stop and say thanks again all these years later. Also he's getting bumrushed with a hug. Here's hoping he takes it well.