(The following piece was published in the New Hampton Tribune a few months back and will soon be printed in a regional magazine):
You can take the boy out of Lawler but, even at age 67, you might not be able to take Lawler out of the boy.
Growing up in the small northeast Iowa village in the late 1940s and 1950s, I learned the art of waving and saying hello to everyone that I met. Today, on my daily Meredith Park walks, that habit continues whether I know the folks or not.
Okay, so Meredith Park isn’t really a town. And I’m not really a mayor. But it might just be possible for me to get elected if it ever does become one, because I’m on a first name basis with more residents than anyone I know.
Meredith Park is a housing development located in Urbandale, a northwest suburb of Des Moines. Renee and I moved here almost 20 years ago from Fort Dodge when a job opportunity opened up for me. At the time, there were still houses being built and few trees or any other type of landscaping in sight. Today it is well established neighborhood with mature trees, bike trails, and lovely modest homes. Ironically, in the approximately two square miles development, there are probably more homes than in Lawler and the population most likely exceeds that of my hometown.
Somewhere along the way I became an avid walker and could never shake the habit born as a youngster of saying hello to everyone that I met; often stopping to introduce myself. Because I don’t wear a headset with music blaring in my ears, it’s easy for me to stick my hand out and say, “Hi. I’m Bill Sheridan. And your name is?” This inevitably leads to a brief conversation and I go on my way.
That’s where the real fun begins. I repeat the person’s name to myself for the rest of the walk so that I can call them by name the next time we meet. The technique serves two purposes: 1.) They are complimented that I took the time to know who they are and; 2.) It drives them a little crazy trying to remember what the heck my name is!
Through the years I’ve had some remarkable encounters using this little ploy. For example, I met Dan, a landscaper who grew up in Elma, about 15 miles or so from Lawler. One day while passing by I noticed a car, obviously owned by his parents, pulling into the driveway. It was a kick to ask them, “Now who in the heck are you folks from Chickasaw County?”
Another time I chatted with a a retired minister who became ‘Pastor Jim’ to me. He is a delightful man who’s fun to visit with and loves to talk about the Lord. Recently his wife of 60+ years passed away, so Pastor Jim and I went out for lunch to find out how he’s getting along and have him share details of her funeral with me. When we returned to his home, he invited me in to show me the quilts that she had made through their long marriage. It was inspiring to see and hear the love he had for her and how proud he was of her work. Pastor Jim has turned from a walking acquaintance to a friend that I’ll have forever.
Brian and I talked about my love for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the late Duke Snider; and his admiration for the Baltimore Orioles and Cal Ripken.
Kevin not only worked with me at the Principal Financial Group and used the home-based daycare center across the street from our house, but turned out to be a graduate of Turkey Valley High School about 10 years after me, and his late father (‘Pete’ Kleve) was a friend of mine.
To my wife’s chagrin, I can’t resist asking people shooting hoops in their driveway to throw me the ball. They always do so willingly with a big smile. I proceed to tell them that I haven’t missed a shot since 1962, and then loft an ‘air ball’ every single time. One day while buying coffee in an Urbandale Panera’s, the cute young high school girl asked, “Do you live on Brookview Drive?” “Yeah, I sure do. Why do you ask?” “Because you’re the guy who always asks to shoot the ball at our place…and I haven’t seen you make one yet!” We both laughed as I walked to my booth and I couldn’t help but think, “Score one for my Lawler upbringing. I have a new friend.”
There are other people and other stories I could share. And my hope is that there will be many more in the years ahead, as I continue my small town tradition of knowing no strangers. I look forward to making new friends on the Urbandale, Meredith Park walking path.
And maybe…just maybe…I’ll finally make one of the driveway shots. If that ever happens, I’ll calmly walk away trying not to looked shocked; as if it’s the most normal occurrence in the world!
Bill Sheridan
8106 Brookview Drive
Urbandale, IA 50322
william_sheridan1@msn.com