Pretty Picture, Even More Beautiful Occurrence (Happy Easter)
I know this is a pretty picture, but I hope you all will take the time to read this story about an occurrence that touched me deeply:
The other night (night before Easter), while walking by a lakefront in Miami, I could see in front of me a black gentleman taking care of a woman in a wheelchair (the woman was missing a leg and the gentleman was off to the side trying to assist her with a blanket and make sure she was comfortable, it appeared). Because I was about to pass them on a narrow sidewalk and didn’t want to bump into them, I had slowed down and was going to wait for the man to finish assisting the woman before I continued walking on. He saw me and politely said ‘permiso’ (as in ‘you have permission to pass’) to signal that it was okay for me to walk by.
A few minutes later, I had to walk back to my car and ended up passing by the couple again (the man was still very attentively catering to his lady friend/partner). In passing them this second time I said ‘buenas noches’ while the gentleman said ‘good night.’ And then, a few seconds after our farewell exchange, I could hear the lady say ‘I love your dress!’
Of course, I said thank you, while turning around to give her a smile before I continued walking on; what she didn’t see is that my eyes started tearing as soon as I turned my face in the opposite direction. What would make me tear up at a simple compliment? One may wonder.
I do not consider myself an emotional person, but I am a sensitive person; and there was something so sweet, endearing, and even child-like about the way this lady said the kind words. She and her gentleman friend seemed to be what most would consider ‘poor.’ They were simply spending time peacefully by the water on a Saturday night in Miami while most in the area were out partying / out to get attention; and the woman likely had something traumatic happen to her which left her legless and handicap. However, even despite these unpopular and adverse circumstances, when she gave me that compliment, I could feel my spirit lift because—despite all things negative that may happened to her in her life—she still had a pureness in her heart to acknowledge and want good for others who may have (surface level) things which she lacks (youth, ability to walk, etc.).
How many are this pure and good hearted? How many times do we see people with money, ‘success,’ good looks and/or fortune still find a reason to complain or justify why life is somehow lacking for them? How many can go through a traumatic situation or live in material destitution and still find a reason (or many) why they are blessed?
This lady, through all she has likely endured, still had a spirit of Godliness around her (and, to boot, someone who loved and adored her). There are many people that have excess material items but are not granted the gift of love in their life. This woman’s spirit was and is beautiful. Through a simple interaction, she inspired me more than she will ever probably realize.
Happy Easter to all. May we keep in mind the things in our life that are blessings and always stay grateful for them. May we never take our blessings for granted.
May peace fill your spirits and your hearts. God’s blessings to you,
Lesley 
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