This story was written many years ago while I was living in New York City. I haven’t shared this in any format before, but thought it was time to post it in this forum. I am a pessimist by nature though this story taps into that rare bit of optimism that creeps into my mind...

On a cold November evening in 1969, I struck out on a cross country trek by making a small sign that read, “East”, stood on the corner of University Avenue and 6th Street in Berkeley. I had never hitchhiked before and only had $1.65 in my pocket, but was determined to see the country. Four...