The First Rider


My first rider was a young girl from the local community college. I couldn't have had a better first-timer. Anna was ebullient,  intelligent, with just the right amount of immaturity to be charming.  The trip was only a few miles from the college to her apartment, but it was perfect.  

Anna had been in a relationship for a while and actually sought some advice. In those 12 minutes, I had an opportunity to tell my own romantic love story, and the lessons I'd learned from it, through the years.  She listened keenly and asked more questions.  Hanging on every word, she drew insight and perspective that she hadn't had before and I drew confidence and a boost to my own ego.  

In that short ride, Anna taught me that there are still people who want to connect with others on more than a digital, 125-character basis. She set the tone for what would be my own renewal of faith in people. 

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