Finding Commonalities in Unfamiliar Places

Our time on the road as Wandering Crabbs have exposed us to some exciting and new life experiences as a result of the many different people, places, and things we’ve managed to come across on our journey thus far. We truly cherish and welcome these experiences, particularly as Tara and I seek to live by four simple words or “collect moments, not things.” We’ve looked forward to this road trip for many years while enduring the DC beltway grind while also anticipating the prospect of finding deeper meaningful relationships with those we meet along the way.

One of the things we seek during our travels is to bond with other campers. You never know who you will meet in the campground as they come from so many diverse backgrounds and vastly different walks of life. Forming bonds with others can be shaped in a wealth of different ways. In conversation with strangers it helps to quickly find that commonality which will hopefully lead to a deeper discussion where both parties are able to let their hair down and begin to get to know one another more freely. This is definitely a skill that has to be developed over time and something I continue to improve upon personally along our journey while Tara on the other hand has an exceptional ability to meet people and keep a conversation going while cruising through any awkward pauses. I have personally known some of the best when it comes to doing this. These individuals can become friends with anyone, and quickly too, by finding that bond or connection between them and then roll right into a dialogue that seems to flow as if they’ve known each other for years.

Finding commonalities amongst strangers is critical to forming friendships and can quickly get off on the right foot with things like family and friends or similar acquaintances that you both may know. Hobbies or common interests such as sports, cars, or a profession can break the ice easily leading to further deeper discussion while also beginning to form a bond between individuals.

Recently while in Sturgis, SD at the world’s largest motorcycle rally, we watched as thousands of bikers descended onto the Black Hills and the surrounding area for a week. Motorcycles were abound of all shapes and sizes, various makes and models, each unique and different in their own rite. I could say the same for the riders with their leather jackets, hairstyles, and riding apparel but they each had the motorcycles and the rally in common which was also their instant connection or bond. They understood what it meant to be a part of Sturgis. Whether it be the power of the bike cruising down the open road taking in the picturesque scenery in every direction, the exhilaration of the throttle under their control, or the wind blowing through their helmet-less hair, they each got it. One could see a tremendous sense of pride and belonging wherever these riders gathered.

Being a member (or former member) of the U.S. Armed Forces creates a very unique and special bond unlike any other. You see as a member of the military you take a chance for your country and promise to protect it with your own life while leaving the comforts of home as well as your friends and family behind. Along the way you make new brothers and sisters where color, race, or creed are irrelevant. Each of you sweat, bleed, and cry together and if you were in the Army like me you all wore green. We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, while strengthening our bonds and camaraderie with one another. We share an unspoken bond with one another, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand. When we meet in a corporate setting, at a picnic, or at a party and the topic of being a veteran comes up there is an instant connection perhaps through a subtle head nod or a slight smile knowing that we each shared something exceptional.

We’ve now driven 8000 miles and passed through 17 states while staying at over 30 different camp sites. We’ve met some fabulous individuals from all over the U.S. and other parts of the world, each with their own amazing stories of who they are, where they came from, and how they came to this particular moment in time. Of the many people we’ve met, we’ve now come to know and form strong connections with a handful. We look forward to making many new friends along our journey and stepping outside our comfort zone from time to time to do so. We will continue to routinely engage our neighbors from town to town in hopes of striking a chord or resonating in some way through a common friend, a similar experience, favorite hobby, or maybe even time served together in our armed forces.

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” C.S. Lewis