Talking to Strangers

As a teenager in Vancouver BC for three years, my wife Kay developed a talent for talking to strangers.  With her outgoing, vivacious personality, she quickly made friends of all ages.  Some have kept in touch, never to forget her unselfish kindness.

Recently we were driving through the Daybreak 55+ community in Salt Lake Valley, when Kay spotted a “young” couple our age out for a walk with a dog.  Naturally we stopped so she could ask them, “Do you live here?”  (I am never surprised by her freedom from shyness when something’s on her mind, which in this case was looking at homes for sale.)  As we introduced ourselves, the man said he enjoyed working with Hal Cannon in video production; (I remembered his Deseret String Band.)  Next minute, the couple invited us to see their home that was listed on the market; (they had just held an open house.)  They made us feel welcome, and did a nicer presentation than any realtor would have done.  The home was staged simply but beautifully, reminding me of Better Homes & Gardens.  My favorite feature was the batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies generously displayed on the kitchen island.  Kay and the other young woman warmly chatted as if they had established a lasting friendship.  The man cordially answered my questions about the property; I just wanted the facts.

We began Kay’s short spring break with a weekend trip to Iosepa (deserted Hawaiian settlement), Bonneville Salt Flats (Speedway), and historic (WWII) Wendover Air Base.  Yesterday we attended the Wendover branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Between sessions, Kay had a great time talking to strangers, easily learning all there is to know about the area.  One brother in the Civil Air Patrol told us about the airfield museum nearby, so we enjoyed visiting it after church.  The female docent there was nice and helpful, but did not open up to Kay – probably her modus operandi for dealing with the public on the job.  It was OK – I don’t expect everyone to respond unreservedly to an extraordinary, fascinating stranger like Kay.