There is more joy in the journey than in the destination.
A couple of weeks ago, it was recommended to me to watch a video entitled, Erie Angel, How An Old Man Dying of Cancer Changed My Life. This brief, but meaningful YouTube video is a part of a series known as, “Trout & Coffee.” It is filmed and narrated by its millennial social media influencer, Kyle “Huck” Finn Dempsey. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope you will too!
Sometimes life has an unexpected way of slowing us down…
Huck was headed back home to the Berkshire mountains, a rural region in western Massachusetts, following an extended trip to see his brother in Idaho. He was approximately seven hours from his digs when his aging Range Rover suffered mechanical issues. He was forced to pull over at a gas station in Conneaut, Ohio.
A man sees Huck under his automobile and asks, “Figure it out yet?” Before he knew it, the gentleman was under the hood of the Rover, had diagnosed the necessary repairs, and offered to take Huck to the nearby auto parts store.
On their way to the store, the soft-spoken yet captivating driver mentioned that he had prostate cancer and drove on without divulging much information. Huck was curious but did not pry.
When the pair arrived at the auto parts store, they learned that it would be two days before the parts they needed would be available. And, although it was a deviation from plans, Huck was open to the possibility that he was where he was intended to be.
The new acquaintances headed to a nearby hotel, they exchanged names and agreed to get together the next day. Huck expressed his gratitude for Karl’s assistance, then they went their separate ways for the night.
As promised, the next morning, Karl returned to the hotel to pick up Huck. Soon they were off to an enjoyable breakfast, followed by a brief tour of the community and then headed to Karl’s house to move an old diesel engine.
Karl’s home was as worn out as his red pickup truck, affectionately referred to as “The Mighty F-150”, and in need of significant repairs. His garage was not much better. Although, according to Karl, it was set-up so he could get his hands on everything. And, if Karl had an organizational system, it wasn’t apparent to visitors. Huck, however, was pleased to be spending his day with his newfound friend.
After a bit of ingenuity, the two men hoisted, pushed, and prodded, the large diesel engine across the mud-laden driveway through the falling snow and into the garage where it could be tinkered with. Karl was pleased. After their long day, Karl and Huck headed back to the hotel and agreed to see one another again, the next day.
On the final morning of Huck’s stay in Conneaut, the new friends picked up the automotive parts, and finished another project together, the repair of the Rover.
When we are listening, we are most-connected...
Over-the-course of the two days spent together, Karl and Huck shared a lot about themselves. They discussed Karl’s illness and the importance of valuing time and their individual upbringing and family dynamics. They spoke of their hopes for the future and their thoughts about our world, including politics. And, although their experiences and opinions were vastly different, they took the time to listen and learn from one another. In the end, they were thankful for their connection and time well spent together.
Please visit the link below for the inspiring full story entitled Erie Angel, How a Dying Man Changed My Life, as told by Kyle “Huck” Finn Dempsey.
YouTube:
Website: https://www.troutandcoffee.com/
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