Trust, Keys, and the Universe

Alex on his pouch.

Alex's sister Maria

I often feel we live in a world that lacks in trust and I am often no different.  It is hard to trust others for many reasons, not the least of which is the prevalence of horrible things that one can hear on the news.  So, when someone does something that shows complete trust, it is remarkable.

When we met Alex at Joy Machines Bike Shop, it was about noon and he had just opened.   He was working until six.  We were sweaty and already tired.  After hanging around the shop for a bit, he suggested that we go to his home and settle in.  He gave us his key and directions.  Let me repeat, he gave us his house key.  What trust!  He had just met us and now we were going to his home. 

We had gotten his name from an organization that connects touring cyclist with other cyclists called Warm Showers (www.warmshowers.org).  I had sent him an e-mail and given him the URL for my blog.  I had also talked on the phone to make arrangements.  We also show up with seventy pound loaded bikes and Rosie on the back.  Even so, in today’s world of violence and mistrust, we were amazed at the kindness and trust we were shown.  I feel that the Universe watches out for us and I really do believe that what you give out in the world comes back to you – be it positive or negative.  I try to be a positive force in the world and am thankful when that energy comes back to me, as it did with Alex and the keys. 

DW: Once at Alex’s house it went from good to better and quickly.

A floor pump greeted us when we opened the front door: a reassuring sight because it means the inhabitants speak cycling. Then more reassurance seeing a Surly Long Haul Trucker in the living room leaning against the dining room table, and two Raleigh Sports bikes, partially disassembled, near the refrigerator in the kitchen. It very much reminded me of our own apartment in Boston which is full of bicycles and bicycle-related items. We wheeled our own bikes into the mix and felt right at home.

Maria, Alex’s sister, came home from a Cleveland Indian’s baseball game (the Indians lost 7-6 to the Tampa Rays) and it was not a half hour later we were eating pizza and chicken, leftovers from the neighbors who had attended the game with Maria. Those same neighbors (that we never met) provided us through Maria with their internet password so we were able to update the blog, emails, etc. Hot showers, pizza and chicken on the front porch, and life in Cleveland was good.

I will remember the kindness and generosity of Alex and Maria long after our trip is over. The whole experience with them makes me feel as if I have received a karmic paycheck signed by the universe.