The Older Man

I drove into the parking lot at Best Buy, got out of my car, and strolling toward the entrance noticed a line forming along the building. They were orderly and it looked like a campsite, as they were sitting on lounge chairs, blankets, shelters were set up, and some were in tents sleeping.

Reaching the front door, I saw a large display for a new electronic gadget called the IPAD, which went on sale tomorrow at 9 am. I went into the store made my purchases and once outside saw, the line had grown.

Growing up this line craze did not exist. The first time I stood in line was to see the movie, JAWS. When the show sold out, you could wait for the next showing, go home, or buy advanced tickets. I went to the movie theater three times before seeing JAWS.

The second craze was Cabbage Patch Dolls which, were the must have doll one Christmas. The Empress (my beloved wife) waited in line for four hours, and when she got in the store, they were gone. She continued her quest and at store, five hit the jackpot.

Today, line waiting is as much of a craze as purchasing the item. News crews film the line; speak with the first person in line, show people sleeping, and the first one running out of the store with the item. He stops for the camera holding up the item as if it is the Holy Grail, and tells the world how happy he is. Each new electronic invention is a must have, and within a year will be replaced by something newer, better, or faster.

I headed for my car and remembered the last time waiting with that much anticipation. I was not in line and there was one other person with me.

We were waiting in a room that had seven chairs, a table with old magazines strewn about, four large ashtrays guarding the room’s corners, and a large window overlooking the building next door.

We were chain smoking, pacing back and forth in the ruts carved out by the previous waiters, watching the door with overwhelming anticipation. The door opened, the doctor walked in and said to me congratulations, you have a new daughter, and your wife is fine.

I shook the doctors and strangers hand and followed the doctor to my wife’s room. She was smiling, started to cry as I approached the bed, and handed me our daughter.

Backing out of the parking spot, I drove pass the line, looked at the people sitting, standing, and leaning; and hoped someday they would experience real anticipation  waiting for their first child.