I know an old guy by the name of Joe. I’m guessing he’s about my age. Joe’s done some amazing things the right way. He married his high school sweetheart and raised four children. He had one job his whole life and retired with high corporate honors. He lives in a brown house with a white picket fence about a mile from me.
Joe is publicly proud and secretly lonely. His wife, Emily, died two years ago. His kids have their own kids and careers. The closest lives 500 miles away. Joe has a rocking chair on his front porch. In sun, rain or snow, he rocks and rocks and ruminates about days gone by.
Friends and neighbors fondly remember Joe as a man of influence and kindness. They drive by and wave at Joe. Joe waves back and rocks — rocks in his loneliness and isolation.
We all know a Joe. Be late for the meeting or dinner. Pull in the driveway and give Joe a hug. He deserves it. So do you.