Parking Lot Guy

 

This smiling face belongs to Parking Lot Guy.  Parking Lot Guy is obviously not his real name but it's the way I've affectionately (or not-so-affectionately) referred to him over the years.  I have no idea what his name is, nor do I understand what he says half the time, but he's been parking my car for just under four years now. I think it was Oprah who once said that everyone has a story, that if you ask the right questions, eventually a really interesting story will emerge . I'm not entirely sure of whether that's true or not but I'd venture a guess and say that this guy, this "Parking Lot Guy" would probably have one should someone have the time it would take to probe around his life to find one. I never had that time. I was too busy doing the corporate thing, racing from home to work and back again, to take the time necessary to get to know him beyond the business at hand.  Namely, parking my car. 

Our relationship was confined to me handing him my keys, him asking what time I'd be back and me answering.  I'd pull up anytime between 7:30am and 9:00 am, gather my things, have the quick verbal exchange with Parking Lot Guy and off I would go.  In the early years, I'd show up at the predetermined time to collect my vehicle at the end of the day and, without fail, he didnt' have it ready.  As a busy Mom, I had places to be, soccer games to attend, homework to assist with and every minute counted!!  Inevitably he would throw a wrench in what I considered my well-oiled schedule and I'd be left standing there tapping my foot while he moved no less than 2-3 cars so I could get at mine.  I wasted no time-- I did what most people do when they are decidedly pissed off, I posted my grumblings to Facebook.  I was convinced that Parking Lot Guy was heading up a major conspiracy to sabotage my well-oiled schedule! I'll have NONE of THAT sir!!

Time passed and I mellowed or maybe Parking Lot Guy just realized I was there to stay and he'd better start getting a clue or I'd find another place to park, I don't know, but over time, whether or not my car was ready at what I considered to be the appropriate time seemed to matter less and less.  It was "small stuff" in the grand scheme and it mattered not.  My relationship with Parking Lot Guy matured and I found that I really kind of liked the guy even IF I couldn't understand a word he was saying.  So I started playfully picking on the guy.  I do that when I like people.  I give them a hard time, it's part of my charm (giggle).  The best part was that he would match wits with me and so began our daily jab-at-each-other ritual.  It was a blast and every single day of my corporate life started and ended with a smile because Parking Lot Guy and I would pick on each other until we laughed out loud!  I'd invite him and his family to every holiday event and he would promise to attend--I'd show up for work after the holiday and accuse him of ruining my event because he and his family never showed.  I'd cry FOUL!!  I'd rant and rave about how I sobbed for hours!!  Hahahaha... we'd laugh.  It's possible that he thought I'd lost my mind but it was all good natured fun.

This week has been, for the most part, no different.  I pull up--pick on him, he picks on me and off I go.  Yesterday I let him in on my little secret.  I've tendered my resignation and Friday is my last day.  He didn't miss a beat--You?  Resign?  Naaa, you get fired.  I know this, YOU definitely get fired.  I instantly lost it in a fit of giggles!!

Thank you Parking Lot Guy for helping me start every day with a smile!  You'll be missed but I'm absolutely certain that you will continue your mission and bring little bits of joy to others along your journey!! 

xo
Michelle

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro
+My Baked Stuffed Life