Snapshots of Self-Differentiation
We caught a mere 10-second glimpse of his life. But it left us rejuvenated by his display of beautiful, uninhibited freedom.
Around 10am, we were enjoying the Paseo Arts Festival in OKC a few years ago. As my son and I made our way to the upper street level, we noticed an older man on a medical scooter with a flag on the back. He wore an American flag doo rag on his head, faded cut off jean shorts, sleeveless shirt, grey ponytail and sunglasses. He appeared to be in his late 70’s.
He caught our attention and the eyes of artists and vendors still opening their booths for two reasons. First, the medical scooter was going fast. Not dangerously fast… just noticeably fast. Second, as he whizzed by at maximum scooter speeds, he was singing at the top of his lungs, “Get your motor runnin’…head out on the highway…looking for adventure…and whatever comes our way!”
He looked at no one, relishing in his own moment of freedom. Born to be wild indeed. And then, he rounded the corner and was gone.
My son and I looked at each other, smiled, and almost immediately agreed in unision, “That dude was awesome!”
I don’t know what landed him on a medical scooter. I’m sure he was experiencing some unwelcome health issues, and he probably has hours and days that he is just as depressed and frustrated as anyone else. Still, as he sang Steppenwolf’s signature anthem at the top of his lungs, blazing past art vendors and early morning festival goers, he etched a unique snapshot of resilience and self-differentiation in our minds.
Worth Repeating
The human capacity for burden is like bamboo–far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.
-Jodi Picoult
