Light on my path

Today was a dull and dreary winter day. I stopped at the cafe at my neighborhood health food store for lunch. When I go there, I feel like I'm at Cheers--everyone knows my name. We talk: weather, politics, current events far and wide, and of course, about food and what's good for us. I like everyone who works there. But there is one person there who is especially special, and I always feel that something is missing on the days I go to the "Sunshine" store and she's not there.

I surveyed the store when I walked in: took in the familiar white shelves, beautiful geological display of mineral-art rocks, the bright yellow and white tiles, the blackboard whose ornamental chalk letters told me what healthy dishes were being served today. Everyone was there--except Miss L. My heart sank a little. I was having a bad day, both stressful and distressful. Somehow I knew the day would feel better if I could just have one of my special conversations with Miss L.

A few minutes later, I heard her voice. It was her day off, but she just happened to stop by. In pink. I've never seen a pink sweatshirt look so radiant, but on Miss L. it did indeed. It glowed, making a nice complement to her Swedish-crystal-blue eyes. We talked. And my whole day turned around.

Sometimes we have the good fortune to meet people in ordinary places who are anything but ordinary. Like two shooting stars, we pass each other at the intersections created in those ordinary places, and trade messages of light.

I didn't know it was her day off. She didn't know I would be there for lunch. And yet, our intersecting today felt clothed in sheer certainty. It had to be. Was meant to be. And my day, my mind, my heart all "turned 'round till they came up right."

So, look lively. Tomorrow may be your day to connect with a shooting-star-buddy, or for you to be a light on someone's path. And it will make something--if not everything--turn 'round, till it comes up right.


Text and images, copyright Ysabel de la Rosa, all rights reserved.

Comments

BarbeeAnne said…
I think that is why it is always best to smile, look people directly in the eyes, be genuinely cheery and kind to EVERYONE all the time...you just never know who you are going to bring a little light to.

Here's a little known and interesting fact about me. I worked on Beacon Hill in the mid-70's for a time, and often ate lunch with my mother and other co-workers at the Hampshire House (the actual inspiration for Cheers, which was not a bar, and not in the basement but a half story up from the street...that fake Cheers was added way after the show got popular)just down the street from our office. They served the best burgers in town. The place had big overstuffed chairs and low tables (knee-level) that you had to bend over to eat...uncomfortable...but worth the effort for the good food. The Dianne character was based on a real waitress who worked there...I'm not sure which...but, years later, Larry Reily, a man who worked with my mother told me he knew exactly which one. Guess he spent alot more time in there than I did...and paid more attention to the smart, intellegent blonds.
Hey, Anne! Very interesting! I wish I could have known the "real" Cheers spot--and had lunch there with you and your mom! It makes me feel good just thinking about it. Thanks for the history and the insight. Hope all is well with you. I sure miss my madrileƱo friends.
un abrazo,
Y
The photos are lovely.