This patch of blooming spring flowers on public land was quietly planted a a few years ago by Mr. C - an elderly gentleman in my neighborhood.  In the summer, the fig tree he planted produces fruits for all to use.  Mr. C is the ultimate vision of who I want to be when I grow up.  Why?

You see, despite everyone knowing he exists and what he does for his neighbors, no one actually knows anything more about Mr. C.  The very definition of a hermit, you’ll be lucky if you catch a glimpse of him on his morning walk, always with his eyes focused straight ahead, his smooth strides with precisions, and then POOF!  He’s gone.  This man knows he has places to be and he has no time for distractions.

One time he heard from the grapevines that I needed two garden beds.  So like a stealthy ninja, he dropped off his used garden beds in my backyard without my knowledge and POOF! Like the wind, he was gone before I could say thank you or even saw what he looked like.

I did manage to catch him outside for five minutes to say thank you.  And let me tell ya, if you think this man is a grumpy old Scrooge, you’re wrong.  He exudes warmth and kindness, but at the same time, you can imagine him stepping straight out of a 1930s film noir, because that’s how he dresses and carries himself.   His presence is stoic, mysterious yet welcoming.

He is the hero who serves all, but he belongs to no one.  Nobody can demand his time, attention, or affection - unless he wants to give you his personal energy.  He needs validation from no one.  This is the ultimate badass.

I hope Mr. C knows he now has a Karate Kid to his Mr. Miyagi, a Luke to his Yoda.  Because I want to be Mr. C when I grow up.