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.