The Downtown Marriott in Chicago has a nice bar in the lobby. A great big screen with six different TV screens dominates one side. Six different sporting events on one screen. The bar is a real gathering place.
We were sitting at the bar. I am not sure whether we said something or the man sitting next to Flo started the conversation. It's easy to start a conversation at a bar in a hotel.
It didn't take long before we learned that the man was visiting Chicago from New Jersey with one of his sons. Just Dad and son for a weekend in Chicago.
Perhaps it is something in the water or beer. Or is it the loneliness of being in a strange city? Or just the ambiance of the bar?
We heard about his difficult divorce and how his sons were doing. He talked about his girlfriend, their long relationship and his reluctance to remarry. He was intrigued when we told him about our second marriage and the blending of families.
As a young man approached, we were introduced to his son and learned of their plans for the rest of the weekend.
For a few minutes, we touched each other. Perhaps gave a new perspective and made a difference.
He never told us his name. We never asked.