So, the other day while I was shopping I was stopped by an elderly gentleman. He started the…

So, the other day while I was shopping I was stopped by an elderly gentleman. He started the conversation by saying my daughter was beautiful and explained that the reason he stopped to talk was because it was sort of tradition...his wife and him, before she passed, would stop a young female who had a kid and spark up a conversation to pass time and create friendships and to get to know a younger stranger. He said if I thought it was weird it was alright to say so and he'd take his leave being as he didn't want an uncomfortable encounter. I was fine with it so we got to talking. I found out he is one of the tribal elders for this reservation, despite looking white, and used to be one of the tribal chairmen. Last year, when Obama and his writer visited the local college, he got to visit with both and got the writers number and email for easier contact for affairs. He's considered one of the richest, but more modest, elders here. He lives in a rundown trailer 15 miles from town but also has houses in Iowa, Ohio, Washington, and one other place, and also owns and rents out land of his from various places. He has 7 kids, all grown, with 3 grandbabies. He's in his 70s, and his wife of 40+ years just passed last year. He's started up 4 of his own companies and works from home now. He asked a bit about me and my life since he said I didn't look familiar. I told him a bit about myself, and he asked about the father's part in Samira's life. He was wondering if I just always go to the store alone or if he comes with sometimes. I got to explain that he's a deadbeat that wants nothing to do with his daughter but that I'm fine with it because I get extra love and time with her. He said he didn't want to seem rude but was genuinely curious as to why I didn't get an abortion when I found out and all that, why I gave up a relationship to raise a child alone. I told him I'm against abortion...the child didn't ask to be brought into this world, and I made the choice to lay down and have sex knowing the consequences that could come of it, and I wasn't going to punish an innocent for my actions. He said I have straight eyes and mumbled something in Dakota. Straight eyes means honest, sincere, truthful, loyal....my eyes confirmed the words I spoke. He said my responses were rare for the women in that town. In all the time he's lived there, he's met more that please their man and resort to abortion or dumping the child on the res rather than raising them, who want to live off the government and native aid rather than getting a job and actually working, etc. My career choice and personality, my manner of speaking, how I was with Samira...he said it's rare to see such a young soul so devoted to their child and wellbeing.

We talked for over an hour in the stores aisle. He ended the conversation by handing me a business card and saying he'd love to sit and have a cup of coffee or lunch sometime to speak a bit more because he enjoys meeting new people and helping those along who society feels has been slowed by a child. I told him I'd think on it. He said he knows it's a weird, creepy gesture these days, especially by someone much older, but it's his family's tradition and it is meant in no means to be more than conversation.

Is that weird at all? How would you mommies have reacted had you been in that situation? What would you say in response to public coffee/lunch for a conversational get together with a stranger you met once?