I was out shopping late at Fry’s for our lake excursion the following day. We had just gone out with some great friends for ice cream so I had to do my last-minute shopping and getting gas for the big van. Typically, I avoid getting gas at the Circle K, it’s sadly become a dive but for the sake of time and gas under $5 I pull up. As I’m getting gas, I hear this, ‘Do you remember me?’
As I look out to see out who is saying this, I have this senior moment, I know too many that I haven’t seen in ages so hopefully I’ll remember this guy in a red Mercedes. As he gets out of course I recognize him, a friend from probably seven years ago who had volunteered for Barrio. He was part of an ASU Muslim group that attended the Mosque in Tempe. He had left a lasting impression on me because of his zeal for God, Allah and his passion for working with youth in his Mosque! We had actually met a bunch of times and his group had helped paint 3 houses over a year plus.
Remember that this is at 10pm and this Circle K is known for being a homeless hangout and not the best place to have a thirty-minute conversation. He asks the obvious, ‘How are you doing?’ and I share a little, not prepared to hear him pour out his heart. He had graduated from ASU over six years ago. He had gotten a local job because there wasn’t much happening with Civil Engineering that was local. I could tell from his expression that he was going through a difficult season in life. He shares about getting married and then about a year ago getting a divorce.
He had been very involved as an ASU student in his mosque and his father was one of the Imams. I could tell from his look that he had walked away from his faith and involvement in the community. He seemed pleased to see me and stood in the sticky, icky, humid conditions for too long and opened up. I was so touched by his honesty and transparency. He gave a sense that life was getting better and that he was maybe 30% back into his spiritual journey.
The amazing fact was that he had bought a house a few years ago in my neighborhood. The true test of friendship is whether or not I get a return text the following morning from him. I was so jazzed that he responded and now I will set up a time for doing coffee at my Starbucks soon.