most mornings at 5:30 a.m. you don't see too many people while walking/running mr. cash..........mostly because I have sleep still caked in my eyes and it is a bit too early to catch the gentleman of the 6 at 6 am running group (yes, ladies - I highly recommend if you are single and in shape to join this running group).
However this morning was a lesson in listening and appreciating the stories that an older generation can share. An older black gentleman was slowly but stongly walking down the road with a small grocery bag headed to an unknown destination with purpose. He was curious about mr. cash and stopped me to inquire about him.........mostly because of his size. He told me he used to have a black dog with a white star on his chest for many years and how he came to have it. He also shared with me this question - "how old do you think I am? and I will give you 3 guesses." I am not good at this game at all and guessed 78. He was actually 86 and I might add in good shape for man his age. He grew up in pensacola in this very neighborhood and worked on cervantes street when it was just a sand pile.
I think mr. cash was interested in the story as well since he decided to laydown in middle of the road we were standing and conversing in.
The gentleman then let me know that his good physical condition is from lots of walking, eating right and his years as a welter weight boxer - he had the crooked nose to prove it. He ran and did lots of road work - no weights, "makes you bulky and slow." His fighting name was "speedy". I have not looked this up as of yet.
Time did fly and I knew I had to get back to the house to get ready for work - but I thanked him for sharing his stories with me and hoped to see him again soon. He agreed we would meet again here or upstairs.
If you are a boxing buff and can help me find out more about "speedy" please share.
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