The Ice Fisherman

As I approached my car in the Bellingham Stop and Shop parking lot I saw a man bundled up sitting in the sun between his two thermal shopping bags. "You look like an Ice Fisherman"  said. He smiled and said "I have two layers of long underwear on and two hats. "Me too," I said "That's the secret to enjoying winter!"

"It's a beautiful day!" he chimed in.

I love winter cold and sunshine! I added. 

When I drove away I realized I recognized his voice. I knew him.  I would've offered him the 4 block ride home but I knew he was waiting for his daughter. 

He once told me, "I am lucky I have a wonderful daughter."

She's lucky to have a wonderful father, I thought.

 He lives on Carter Ave, a few blocks away. I have seen him on my dog walks for years. He walks and alternates with little jogs and sometimes his sneakers make a flap flop sound. He doesn't always hear me when I say hello. He must be 88 years old. Love this guy.