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 :)
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