Note: I wrote this in March 2017, but never posted it. I came across it today and I’m moved to officially publish on Shootin’.

It’s getting late. I’m exhausted and pushing myself to be in front of my computer when anywhere anything else sounds better.

I’ve just finished a freelance job that pays me in alcohol. I need to wrap up a wedding I shoot I did nearly four weeks ago. Tonight I spoke with a woman I hadn’t seen in years who told me she wouldn’t be here much longer. My brain won’t stop hashing and re-hashing 10+ conversations I’ve had in the last week. My dog hasn’t gotten the attention, exercise or treats he deserves today and honestly, the glass of wine on my desk doesn’t taste as good as it usually does.

A text comes in from a friend: “You’re awesome.”

I tear up, smile and try to trace down a few positive memories from the day. One stands out:

A kid. Working in a group picking up trash near Scheels Arena. An empty garbage bag slipped out of his hand and with one pesky gust of wind, his role on the cleaning crew became counterproductive.

“Uff, that’s a shame,” I said aloud in my car, watching the bag fly across the large, bare parking lot. Not a chance that thing is stopping.

But the kid. The kid!!

He was RUNNING. Zero hesitation. Full, dead-on sprint.

This, friends, was something worth watching. I slowed down, checking my rear-view mirror. For once, nobody in a rush behind me. He almost caught it, lost it, fell back, gained and finally snatched it up right before it reached 32^nd Avenue. Rolling down my window, I belted out a “wooo hoo!!!” and honked my horn – but he was already throwing his own celebration.

It was just what I needed to see on today. Someone who wasn’t giving up. Someone who had a hay day with a challenge.

I guess you really never know when you’re making someone’s day.

Shootin’ the Wit is a sporadic blog about everyday life that should never, ever be taken too seriously.