Mr. Harper is someone I met at a veteran's support group a few years back. He's a distinguished looking gentleman, tall, lean, and calm. I must write a few words about him and what he has given me.
He's elderly but doesn't look it. He is always connected to an oxygen tank and walks aided by a walker, but he moves about gracefully. When he sits down, he sits straight up.
He never offers an opinion unless asked. He listens to the other members of the group and doesn't interrupt anyone. When it is his turn to speak, he is brief and to the point.
From some of his comments, I surmise he was a "playa" back-in-the-day. But as I understand it, once a "playa" always a "playa."
If he shares about his infirmities, it's not a complaint, just statement of fact. He adores his grandson. He jokes around easily but never mean-spirited. He's lighthearted and serious at the same time.
THAT is the elegance of his personality. His name is John, I call him Mr. Harper.
I'm only around him one hour at a time if he shows up that week. That is all that was required for him to have an impact on my consciousness. I've come to admire his manner and respect his attitude. He's just a damn cool dude!
I aspire to.....and will one day attain.... "Mr. Harper's Level of Chill"
Mr. John Harper Jr.
August 16, 1939 -------- January 30, 2020
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