It was a solo ride on the western section of "Route 66". Texas to California. I intentionally stopped in each town mentioned in the lyrics of the song. I stayed the night in Gallup, New Mexico. That's were I met him.

As I rode my motorcycle into a Cafe parking lot, I noticed a Native American man walking nearby. He said "Cool bike"! Being the "helper of the needy", I asked him to join me for breakfast. I thought I would be sharing my wisdom as we ate. Instead, he shared his heart with me.

He described himself as Navajo and a recovering alcoholic who had found God while serving time in jail. Although poor, he spoke of how fortunate he was, recently becoming sober and with a good job at the local car wash. He was happy with his life. The world was right with him. He filled me with the joy and hope that I intended to fill him with.

He thanked me for the meal and left quickly to be at work on time. I asked the waitress for the check. She said that there would be none. The manager wanted to pay for both of our meals.

When we can combine our favorite sport with a conversation with a stranger, sometimes that's magical.