Five minute conversation

Five minutes doesn't seem like a lot of time. If you were asked to do something in only five minutes or less it would seem almost impossible to complete. However, when it comes to having a conversation, depending on who they are talking to, most people would say that five minutes can linger on. A prime example would be talking to someone you just met; they don't know and you don't know them. It becomes extremely difficult to try and find ways to not let the conversation die out and keep it interesting. I personally dislike these types of conversations. Numerous times I've found them to be quiet awkward...it is however, safe to say that I've had a change of heart. 

This weekend my family and I hooked up the truck to our trailer, loaded the horses, loaded our bags, packed into the truck, and headed off to my High School Rodeo in Casa Grande. As we were on our way my parents decided to stop  and eat at the Wendy's in Payson. I was slightly annoyed. I wanted to hurry and get to Casa Grande and saw no real point in stopping. 

When we pulled into the Wendy's parking lot my dad and I went inside to order our food, and my mom stayed outside walking my dog around. As soon as I ordered I knew I didn't want to stand there the whole time and wait for our food to come out, so I went outside to release my mom from her dog watching duties. I took the leash and paced back and forth with him as he curiously smelt every rock, plant, or wrapper that he possibly could. 

As we patrolled the parking lot, out of the corner of my eye, I could see a man beginning to approach me. He was an older man with deep features, and had white hair which crept out from underneath the hat he was wearing. 

"Is your dog friendly?" Were the first words out of his mouth. 

I assured him that he was and he immediately  began to pet him. That's when the small talk began. The typical first time meeting someone questions were asked like, "Where are you from?" Or "What brings you here." I filled him in on my plans for the weekend and he mentioned to me how he lived there with his wife. It grew silent for second and I was sure that our conversation had come to an end and he would bid goodbye. My thoughts were then cut off when he began to talk once more. 

"You know I used to be a cop down in Phoenix." I wasn't too sure where this was going, but I was considerably interested and lent him my ear as he continued on.  

"I loved it a lot...well until I got shot in the head. That's why this eye won't open." He made a jester to his left eye which was shut. I hadn't noticed it much before, but now I was in awe. "What happened?!" I asked him. 

"I was making an arrest on a driver and I thought things were going smoothly until the passenger of the car decide to pull a gun out and shoot. I woke up in the hospital with no recollection of what had happened." 

Just as he finished my parents were already waiting at the truck and motioning to me know that it was time to go. 

I thanked him for talking with me, wished him a good day, and started back to my truck. As I walked back I thought to myself that I wish I could've stayed and talked more to the man. In the five minutes of talking that we did he was able to change my mood and out look on the day. I was grateful that he felt the need to share his story with me.  I was instantly glad we stopped. If we wouldn't have stopped I wouldn't of been able to have that wonderful five minute conversation.