A gathering up

I had a conversation with a young woman earlier this week. 

It was a long journey from where she started to the stoop on which we both sat to talk.  She has seen things and experienced things that people shouldn't have to see or experience, ever.  She has lost people and her place in the world.  All of this I knew and had grieved before we spoke. 

 In her quiet voice, with large tears dropping onto the step below, she shared her dream with me and also her fear that it may not come true. It wasn't a grandiose dream; nothing extreme or flashy for her.  


She wants her education.

She wants her education!!


My heart broke for her lost opportunities as we sat still on the stoop, both looking down. I put my arm on her shoulders to comfort her but I could not speak.

 And then I felt it, her spirit gathering up inside of her; putting her back together, drying her cheeks, and propping up her resolve. I felt that gathering so strongly that I expected to look over and see her angel self putting her physical self back together.

"Miss Michelle, I had the honor roll when I was young."

"Of course you did because you are smart," I said.

Viktor Frankl, author of the book Man's Search for Meaning, wrote, " “Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.”

Luckie me, I was in the presence of a great and dedicated chooser.  She will get her education.

I see you.

One day, a long time ago, I was significantly struggling. 
 I was trying hard to get through.  I avoided all eyes,  forced every smile, and swallowed the ugly cry that kept trying to creep up my throat.  I thought I was doing pretty well at the Big Fake.
And then.
A person, not a stranger, but almost a stranger, came up to me, looked me right in the eye and said,

i see you.
you aren't alone.

Then she patted my hand and walked away.
It meant the whole world to me that day.

Today I paid it forward and I witnessed the power of simply bearing witness.
I didn't fix anything.                   (i see you)
Nothing essential was changed.                    (you aren't alone)
But in that honest moment, there was a space for hope.

Thank you lady of long ago for sharing your blessing with me. Your name is lost in some errant file of my brain but your gift remains.

Everyday miracles in six words and some space. Lovely.