There are just too many stories to tell.

Reminded of that Tuesday while waiting among the throng in medical provider’s anteroom.

Offering to assist elderly man in a walker with front-door entry I casually remarked about the cold.

“Been colder,” he said, pointing to his cap.

Here for imaging? I asked. “Yep, but fragments cause issues,” he said, pointing again to cap.

He shuffled in and disappeared into inner sanctum. Didn’t see him before I left.

Oh, the hat said Korean War Veteran U.S. Army 1950-53.

I should have waited. Didn’t even get a name.

***

Same room, woman sitting down beside me asks “waiting long?” And conversation ensued.

Mrs. Zapata, it turns out, has retired and returned to the area after a career at NASA-Johnson Space Center, Houston.

How does LaSalle High Tiger get from Urania to NASA, and what adventures did she have a role in?

Called away before could ask.

***

“What do you think of Kiffin hire?,” I asked a big guy in gorgeous “Trojan” jacket.

Replied a-ok about the money these days, not the players. He was happy to be retired. 

Before I could ask more he too was summoned. Back of jacket was inscribed Coach Barnes.

Seemed sincerely interested in young athletes.

***

And at last I was asked question, not posing one: “How are you paying?” And that’s another story.