Two nights ago I went to buy food at midnight. There were a few things missing from the house and the kids wanted to watch a movie. I was tired but still had energy after working 11 hours I wasn't home until almost 10 at night. That is my usual shift four days a week. I have 3 of my 4 daughters living at home and my 17 year old's boyfriend moved in this month from Connecticut. Anyhow I decided to run to the supermarket at midnight because I had another long shift the next day and I didn't want the kids to go without certain things. I ran around with a basket and got what I needed and threw some chips and cookies in the basket which is something I usually never buy. First because they are not necessarily (I'm a Virgo) and secondly because they are expensive. To a Virgo mind that reads- unnecessary expense/it's not really food. Well Virgo went Gemini that night and even threw in a box of donuts (for breakfast .. ya right!).
I was walking to pay with a basket that was pretty heavy. It looked heavy I had to carry it with two hands. A woman who was walking towards me looked me in the face, our eyes met and she smiled at me. I felt there was a secret understanding between us. Some mysterious knowledge of each others lives. She was probably Brazilian and I certainly look Hispanic even though my skin is quite white. Our world met that night in some strange and peculiar way. Her struggles coming to this country, my struggles coming to this country. Going to buy food at midnight when most people are getting ready for bed. It wasn't an ordinary smile and there was no reason for her to smile at me. Our eyes met and I smiled back at her. It penetrated my mind saying, "we are one my sister". It gave me strength in my body to march on, continue my path, alone, she said, "you are not alone".
That woman who was in her mid 30's just a little younger than me reminded me of who I am and where I came from. All of the struggles in my life, (I'll tell you those later) the humanness of my existence. I am ok with that because that is my reality. I'm just glad to know that somewhere out there, two strangers understood each other and I'm not alone.
There is an Arabic saying: A smile is like Charity. That night her smile was charity to my mind, body and soul.
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