A challenge to you: Listen Up.

My son returned to his home on a flight from NYC to Buffalo, and called to say that the plane had landed. And then he made my heart smile with the words, "Mom, you would have been proud of me!"

"Why is that?" I asked.

Jer told me that he was seated next to a very nice older man [80 ish] who just wanted to talk. And talk they did! The man reminisced about his years in Korea while in the service, his kids, grandkids, and that he and his wife were married 61 years...And when he was unsure of details or timeline, he would look across the aisle and ask his wife who would look up from her crossword puzzle and help him remember. In my mind, I could picture my friend Janet's father and mother in exactly that scenario. Bill loves to talk, and what great people [ my adopted family]they are!!

Jer said that on an airplane most people do their own thing, and lots of time would discourage conversation beyond the usual greeting amenities. But he had the feeling that this man just felt like talking, to which I said, " He was probably surprised that someone was listening to him!" And it was a very interactive chat, from what I'm told.

And I got to thinking how there's generally more talking than listening going on most of the time. Have you ever had a conversation where you couldn't get a word in edgewise, or you knew that the person wasn't really listening...that they were already forming what they were going to say next...and were merely waiting for their turn? And especially with older folks, I think that they don't get listened to as often as they are dismissed [ so to speak].

While my son was growing up, I encouraged him to be friendly, outgoing, and cooperative. [Bossy, shy, and play the game my way or I'll take my game and go home...are not the most desirable traits nor are they very appealing].

While in school, I campaigned for 'be flexible, have a sense of humor, and do YOUR part in getting a good education. [This was also a bulletin board in my classroom, too].

Sometimes I know I'm about to get good news when he starts a conversation with, "I know that sometimes you think that I wasn't listening to you, but let me tell you that today ......."

The irony of him conversing with the older man on the plane is that Jer can often be a man of few words. In our daily hellos I've been known to say, "I don't want to play 20 questions today, so...String a few sentences together for me!"

He has said that phrase to me a couple of times, too. I guess turnabout is fair play!!!

And yes, Jer, I am very proud of you listening to that man's ramblings.

And I'll bet he won't forget it, either!

And so here is a challenge for you:

Listen , I mean really listen, to someone [bonus points if they are elderly or single as in not married]. Care to share the results...

I'm all ears!