Among family and friends, I’m notoriously known for my inability to function early in the morning. If I don’t get enough sleep, I can’t think straight. I’m a grump-ball for the rest of the day. My ideal schedule would be going to bed late—because I’m more creative then—and waking up late. But when I have no choice, a kick in the butt or a hint of inspiration usually help me snap out of it.
This morning, for instance, I found inspiration at the park. As I was going for a morning walk on Kelly Drive, here in Philadelphia, I saw “the pretzel man,” Mr. Robert Rasmussen, also known as “Chief.” He’s a World War II Veteran who’s held a snack stand on the same spot for over 60 years. (He sells a variety of snacks, but mostly pretzels and water.)
He was getting his table ready—very slowly grabbing the snacks from his van, placing everything on the table, item by item. He’s old, that’s for sure, and he can barely walk. His steps are what I call in Spanish “pasos de hormigas” (ants’ steps). But it doesn’t seem like an impediment to him. I don’t know what drives him, but his determination is impressive.
I first learned about him when I moved to Philadelphia, about seven years ago. He’s very well-known in the area and he still has the energy and desire to be at that spot every day. I admire his work ethic.
When I saw him today, I thought, wow, he’s still here and he looks so happy with what he does. It was all the inspiration I needed to get my morning started.
