A Love Story

I walk to work everyday. I am so spoiled! I walk through a fairly lively, colorful neighborhood filled with so many people from a variety of places. One of my neighbors is from Italy. I know there are dozens of other countries/ethnic backgrounds being represented here.

Every morning I walk to work and pass several people in clusters. Mostly are children on their way to school. There are schools in the neighborhood as well. And I pass daily a mother and her child. They look to be very friendly, indeed they are, and cheerful, as exhibited by the smiles and joyful greetings when we pass. With the exception of the summer interim, we see each other every day of the work/school week. All it is a greeting of hellos, how are you, have a good day sort of pleasantries as we keep walking by. Of course there are waves of hands and big smiles that accompany the vocal greetings.

School has started up again and happily I have seen the children back to walking the streets on their way to and from school. And among those I pass, this mother and child. However, there has been a change! Just a few days ago, the little girl stops me to ask my name. We introduce to each other. And small chit chat is exchanged between all of us (mother, child, and I). The child's name is Maria and the mother's name is I believe Wilma. She has an accent so it was hard to pick up all the vowels and sounds. Maria looks to be so happy, especially when we are passing and exchanging greetings.

Now this morning, I saw Maria and Wilma coming down the street. Already, I had a big smile on my face and could feel the happy energy from them. As I was passing this time, Maria was on the phone. She had smiled and said hello but was obviously engrossed in a conversation. Wilma explained to me that Maria was on the phone with her grandmother talking all about me. Me! What?? Have our exchanges although seems minor because of our smiles and greetings every day, can really have an impact? And so I have yet learned another lesson.

Even though Maria and Wilma continued on their way to school passing by, I had stopped and stood there watching them depart from me. I was awashed with love. Yes, love. I felt so loved right there in that moment and it continued to be felt throughout the day. If it was not for the love, I think I would have cried. Here is a little girl who looks forward to her walks to school with her mother because she passes by this girl (still view myself as a girl) that gives her great pleasure to see. So much pleasure, she goes calls her Grandmother and tells all about me. It seems like a small inconsenquence but to Maria, I might as well be her dear friend. And yet, each day I look forward to my walk to work because I pass by this girl (probably about 7 years of age) and mother who are so jovial and pleasant. To see them gives me a happy glow in my heart. Goes to show that the small things in life, even just a simple gesture of a smile, greeting can go a far way into the hearts of many. I love you Maria.

(Postscript: I know the picture does not seem to go with the story, but I chose it in picturing the beautiful birds of paradise like people. And since the story involves three individuals... so hence the underlying symbolism. *smile* ).