- November 27, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
My wife, Jessica, will tell you that I’m a “people person.” She often laughs when I tell her there is a real shyness to my personality that people don’t often see; but it’s true. Unfortunately, that shyness did not come into play when I attended the Halifax Regatta this past week.
Thankfully, I found Laura Leffler, a rower mom (if that’s a term?), who was delighted to inform me on all the festivities and the best spots to get pictures of the rowers. After she explained to me, she sent her youngest son, A.J., to help guide me along the way. That was very thoughtful of Laura because I would’ve had no idea what to do or whom to take pictures of, if he didn’t accompany me.
So, as we journeyed from the boathouse to the bridge, I began to interrogate him about all of his life. I asked him his age (13), how many siblings he had (youngest of seven), about his favorite song (only the ones with good tunes), his favorite school subject (social studies), his grades (very smart, trust me), if he sang at all (never, but I didn’t believe him), why he chose rowing over football and many other questions (I swear I’m not nosy). And, like any new “best friend,” A.J. answered them all. I even tried to convince him that the word “regatta” should always be pronounced with an English accent, but he didn’t agree. I still think so.
Here are some interesting facts that I learned about him: He was selected into the Duke University Talent Identification Program. He wants to either follow in his dad, Charles’, footsteps as a veterinarian or a computer engineer, and he had to stop playing football because of flat feet, but, after fixing the issue, he still chose to go away from it, which ultimately led him to rowing.
I always tell my editor that there’s a story everywhere; I truly believe that. In 45 minutes, standing on a bridge with a 13-year-old eighth-grader, I was able to peek into a fascinating life and make a new friend, simply because I asked a bunch of questions. If you see me around, don’t be afraid to interrogate me; I just might beat you to it.
