As a kid growing up in South Texas, riding with my Dad as he visited multiple drilling/production sites, I was always in awe at the number of people he knew. We’d be driving that long, lonely road between Freer and Encinal and with every car we’d pass, the driver would wave as would Dad. Usually just a couple of fingers off the steering wheel and sometimes a whole hand. How did he know all these people?

As I grew older I realized he really didn’t know those folks but they still waved. I first thought they were just saying “Hi” to a fellow traveler and believed they may someday need his help on the road. As the years went by I realized it was something different and more important – it was a way of acknowledging that we’re all travelers in life and that the driver recognized another person doing the best they could and deserving of the dignity of being that person.

The wave doesn’t mean I’m your best friend, that I want to borrow money from you, or (in the case of lady drivers) that we should meet sometime. The wave acknowledges another person who is striving to be the best person they can be and knowing they will need help along the way.

Sure, if you’re in traffic, the wave can be a little too much – but, it you’re on a side street, or an otherwise deserted road, it can’t hurt to say “Hi” to a neighbor and fellow traveler in life.

The wave – pass it on.