William W. Walker

What an interesting night. I always love to meet new and interesting people and often wonder about their story. Last night after church Joel and I pondered whether or not to risk the rain in order to go to Festival down town. I was a little apprehensive about it, but Joel wanted to drive that way and see what the weather did. The rain did let up as we found a parking spot so we decided, What the heck. We walked about 5 minutes and the rain started coming down. We picked up the booklet that lists out the events and found shelter under an awning. The best act was going to be at the stage that was as far away from where we were as you could get. I contemplated being a little whiny and getting my way and going back to the car and home to an uneventful evening. But something in me said, nah, it's only water. So when Joel gave me the opening, I said just that..."It's only water." So off we went. No umbrellas. Flip flops aflopping. We stopped off at the first food booth that had chicken on a skewer and indulged in some yummy festival food. I couldn't see through the raindrops on my glasses, but who cares. We continued on our treck. We found my favorite food booth and got some vegetable fried rice, an egg roll and two crab rangoons to share under the next shelter. Off to the music tent on the Outer Fringe - appropriately named. Of course, it was packed with people wanting to dry off, but we found a seat in a corner. The first musician - Drew Nelson - was so good I downloaded his album from i-tunes this morning. The second musician - Ralston Bowles - I have heard before. He is a very popular local musician who recently beat cancer. A couple of tear-jerking songs to be sure! During the performances the rain poured out of the skies. After the performances the rain became a sprinkle and a lot less wet for the walk back to the car.
As we were walking and talking down Monroe Avenue, we started to walk around who I had assumed to be one of the many street people who love to walk around at festival time. He was in an electric cart or scooter. I'm not sure what they are actually called. I didn't know if he was talking to himself or to us, but he was saying how his scooter was losing its charge. He asked us if there was an outlet where he could plug in and charge. Of course, there is not really anything along the way. But he was moving rather slowly. I asked him how far he had to go. He said about four or five blocks but didn't know if his scooter could make it. We offered to walk along with him to make sure he made it. He said if he could just find an outlet he would be good. As we crossed the street, the light turned green and his scooter just wasn't going more than a sputter. Joel held up the traffic one-handed (such a strong man I married!) and I helped to push his cart the rest of the way across. The man in the scooter offered us a drink as he apparently had a selection of fine beers in his plastic bag that he was carrying. We said no thanks. He offered us some of his food that he also had tucked away someplace in his packages. Again, we declined. We continued on the journey in search of electricity. As we turned the corner by the Children's Museum, the man in the scooter mentioned that maybe there was an outlet in the bar that we were coming upon. We offered to go inside with him to see. Joel and I were slightly amused to see him get up out of the cart to go inside to ask. It was obvious that he probably needed the cart to get from one place to the next, but he was able to travel short distances on two legs - although rather weavingly alcohol induced. We walked into the bar and asked the bartender if there was an outlet where our new friend could charge long enough to get him up the hill to his apartment. Turns out there was an outlet just inside the door and yes, he could use it. I did notice that this bar was a men only exclusive club. Not another woman was to be seen. I was the only woman there. And I had more than a few glances. The man in the scooter told another man that was standing against the wall, "see, there are good people out there..." as he waved his hands toward us. The man tried to tell the bartender to pour us a drink. For the final time we politely declined. But we did accept the hugs from the man, who if not for the heavy rains earlier would have been a challenge to the senses. I asked him what his name is and he told us, "William W. Walker. Like the w w w dot com. But that's not me. William Wright Walker but I don't write much." We smiled and Joel said "God bless you William". And as we walked out of the bar, a couple was walking in.
I'm glad that we braved the raindrops to see some good music. But I am very glad that we were able to help William W. Walker get to his destination. In looking back at the people in the establishment and William W. Walker, I am always amazed how it seems those who tend to be labeled as socially unacceptable are the first to accept. I am confident that if we were to have gone into one of the bars where there was a more socially acceptable clientele, they would not have had an electrical outlet to share. But I suppose I am judging.