I am the girl to contact if you ever are looking for free wifi in Columbus. Since I am currently an OT that travels all over Central Ohio to see kiddos in their home, I do my best to find wifi anywhere so I can check email, send reports and access my files. Before you ask, I do have a smart phone with data, however I share my data with 6 other people and do not want to be the one that causes overages on the bill, so I scour for free wifi (and public restrooms. I don't like to use my client's restrooms, I think it is unprofessional; a personal opinion). I have done a great job of finding libraries close to many of the my kiddos homes or a Panera (I really should start taking stock in Panera, I am there at least twice a week).There is a specific time each week though that I struggle. There is no Panera nor library close enough and usually I go shopping which is causing money to leave my wallet. I have been looking for a place with wifi and I have finally found a McDonald's that suits my needs, free wifi and a bathroom. I generally do not eat during my McDonald's trips- 1. it's not lunch time and I have already eaten my Panera 2. I don't like to eat out twice in one day 3. not the biggest fan of the golden arches (besides their ice cream). However, I do feel guilty using their wifi, taking up space in their restaurant, and using their bathroom. If I lived in NYC, I would have to purchase something at a McDonald's in order to do one of these.
This week was different, I was feeling guilty so I decided while writing notes and answering emails I would get a hot fudge sundae. I ordered and received my treat and looked for a place to sit. Where I generally sit was taken so I opted for a back corner booth. An older gentleman was seated at a table next to where I chose to sit. He said "hello, how are you?" and me being me, said "I am great, how are you?" He then asked what I had ordered as it looked delicious. I told him it was delicious and it was a hot fudge sundae. I thought once I responded and pulled my work out the conversation would end as it generally does, but this was not the case. He asked what school I went to since I had a bag with me and what homework I was going to work on. I told him I was not in school and that I was an OT that travels from home to home to work with children with special needs. He was interested and we began to talk about anything and everything, almost like we have known each other for quite some time. We talked about Columbus, where each of us grew up, our families and news in the US today. This gentleman was sweet and we talked nonchalantly for probably 15 minutes about anything and everything.
About 10 minutes into the conversation he told me how he had recently lost his wife (3 weeks and 1 day ago). My heart ached for him, my grandfather lost the love of his life 2 years ago. I asked how long they had been married, and he replied 50 years. I explained how both sets of my grandparents have been married for that long or longer as well and I love seeing couples who have lasting marriages. I was raised with this example from all sides of my family and my parents have currently been married for 33 years. He had finished his meal by then and I had finished my ice cream. He told me it was great talking to me and to have a great day. He then proceeded to go back to the counter and ordered a caramel sundae.
After getting his caramel sundae he came back and asked if he could sit with me since his table was now occupied. I replied with a yes and he sat with me as we continued to talk and he finished his sundae. Once finished he got up again and said "good-bye, have a great day." I responded with the same. As much as that gentleman needed me that day, I needed him. I have a feeling that every time I eat a hot fudge sundae from McDonald's I will think of him.
