At the checkout line yesterday my cashier had no pleasantries for me, but instead began speaking by saying how 20% of the students at his daughter's high school were out sick; and that he had to go and visit her teachers to pick up her assignments because she's in advanced placement classes. I mentioned how both my sons and I had/have been under the weather for days now ourselves, how difficult it is to miss just one day of AP classes... and we chatted a bit more until he finished filling my cart, then we warmly wished each other good health and a happy holiday.
Not two minutes later on the way to my car, an elderly woman walking slowly towards me stopped to remark on all the bags I was carrying, cheered me on my efforts and with a big smile gently patted my shoulder and wished me a wonderful Christmas "ya here"...
These exchanges, short and simple, two within several minutes, were enough to make the world feel right again. Like those pay it forward commercials, but in real life. It felt like someone handed me an umbrella under torrential rain. I wish our exchanges with one another could be more like this, always like this - full of kindness and friendship.
Was it the spirit of the season that brought this on, perhaps an after effect to society's recent horrors,... or just the Universe's way of reminding me of humanity's light and our connection to one another. Reminders are good and certainly (so often) necessary...
I hope your holidays are filled with warm personal exchanges and joyful peaceful togetherness with family, friends and our world community... Joyeuses Fêtes & Bonne Année friends :)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, my friend. I love this story of hope and your gentle imagery. I know how you feel. The horrific tragedies are still fresh in my mind, and I have been struggling to find the words to express how I feel. I am glad that I can connect with other people--especially fellow mothers--who feel such pain for what has happened, yet also hold onto hope and peace for those who are suffering. You are a blessing, Catherine. I am so grateful that we have met this past year. I am looking forward to more visits and inspiration with you! xxooxx
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful that we crossed paths last year Charmaine... thank you for your always kind words and kindred spirit. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2013 my friend! So looking forward to more sharing and inspiration too, xo
DeleteBeautiful images and thoughts, especially in these difficult times. I'm glad you met these 2 little 'everyday angels' - Happy New Year to you! Thank you for your beautiful photos and words. I look forward to more of your posts in 2013 - here's to a wonderful year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Lulu! Thank you + the very best to you in 2013 :) xo
DeleteHappy New Year to you! Wonderful images and thoughts, in these hard times. Thank you so much for your amazing photos and words. I can' t wait for more of your posts in 2013!
ReplyDeleteMerci Alexa! It always makes me smile to have you visit... I hope to see more and more of you online in 2013 ;) Have a wonderful (New) Year! xo
DeleteWow - this was beautiful, Catherine. My favorite line is "...or just the Universe's way of reminding me of humanity's light and our connection to one another". I love that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these special moments with us. Just reading them reminded me as well of our universal connection and bond. Thank you!
Happy New Year + thank you Jamie! I hope the beginning of 2013 has been good to you so far, all the best for the rest of the year :)
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