Direction and Connections

I sat opposite a father with his young son on the subway yesterday.  The boy was probably 5, maybe 7, years old.  They got on at 96th Street.  Their conversation was comprised mostly of the boy asking questions and the father giving short responses.  As the train approached 86th Street, the boy announced the stop.  He also advised his father that if they got off there, they could take the such and such bus to continue their journey.  The father simply said they were going to stay on the train.  At 81st Street, the boy announced that they could get off there and go to the Natural History Museum.  At 72nd Street, they could go to Central Park and visit Strawberry Fields.  He wondered if people would be there this time of day singing Beatle songs.  Then at 59th Street/ Columbus Circle, the boy announced all the possible train connections to be made and which platform to go to.  Again, the father simply replied that they would remain on this B train.

This child knew every stop and every possible connection, highlighted by a point of interest for every stop until they got off at 34th Street.  He was incredible!  Adults don't know that much about the subway.  I don't know that much about the subway and I've lived here since 1993, long before this boy was born.

While his knowledge was indeed amazing, what makes this kid legendary to me is his persistence in trying to get what he really wanted.  Patti Stanger, the Millionaire Matchmaker, says that the person asking the questions on a date is the one pursuing a connection.  This little boy always followed up his announcements with, "Would you like to go there sometime, Dad?" or "Is this your favorite stop, Dad?  Why do you say that?"  He was obviously intent on engaging his father in conversation.  He was on a date with his Dad and he wanted conversation. 

I learned a lot from this kid, not only about the subway, but also about the importance of pursuing a connection with someone.  He will be an amazing man in a few years.  I hope his father notices.