a fellow patriot

a fellow patriot

Location; Chicago.

Time; Last night:

I walk up to my last table before the end of my shift. It was filled with 6 chatty and friendly people. I get their food order in quickly before the kitchen closes, and grab them drinks. One of the guys at the table makes a comment about the burgers being delicious and that he once talked to the owner of the place about what he puts in them to make them so good. I proceed to tell him a little back story about the owner and the beloved burger place they used to own in Virginia, how I know the owner and how I ended up working in this current place in Chicago. The next part of the conversation took all of 10 seconds before all 7 of us are rolling- laughing at the coincidence:

Him: “So you’re from Virginia?”

Me: “No, Vermont.”

Him: “I’M from Vermont.”

Me: “Where?”

Him: “Bennington.”

Me: “Are you kidding me?!”

Him: “Did you go to Mount Anthony?”

Me: “Yes, graduated in 1996, you?”

Him: “98.”

Me: “You graduated with my brother Brad, my name is Diane Peacock, what’s yours?”

Him: “Ryan. I know Brad! -and I think you went to prom with my best friends brother!”

The table erupts. This exchange literally did go from “The burgers here are great” to “I think you went to prom with my best friend brother” in 10 seconds flat. It was a riot.

I graduated high school 15 years ago- almost to the day, never remember this guy, we both have had a lifetime of experiences since leaving that high school, we’re both half a country away from where we grew up, and now he and his wife are moving across the street from where I currently work.

I love how small the world is.

I wrapped up my shift, grabbed a beer and joined them for a while. Obviously we had plenty of stories to share and common people to talk about. Needless to say I have 6 new very fun friends in Chicago. How cool is that?

Thanks Ryan and crew- you made my night!