There are moments when words are not the
solution. We can only hope that, in those moments, we know enough not to say
anything foolish.
Often, I truly understand that I am indeed blessed. This goes beyond my
successful bout against cancer and the incredible places and people I have met
over the years. Beyond unexplainable survival(s) at times when I was totally
unprepared to face unexpected and considerable foes. Add to this all the minor
and major mistakes made along the roads and detours life has steered me through.
It really adds up to something much like a miracle.
Today, at age 71,
like many others I must work to meet my expenses. But, I am able to. And that’s
a blessing too. For my work involves doing things I truly enjoy. Like doing the
ESL classes. Teaching others to speak English so they can improve their lot and
their families’ lot as well. Pretty much all of my students are Hispanic. Some
with documents and full of ambition and some without documents and full of
hope.
We discuss many
topics in class. A few days ago, we talked about there being a special place
each one would like to visit or go back to. And that was the homework for the
weekend. To prepare to talk about that special place and share this with the
class.
We came back on the
following class and, after the usual bits of small conversation to get started,
came tie for the presentation. Some talked about their home country and a
special place thy hoped to go back to, some about other places only mythical to
them. The ones in the travelogue pictures with all the allure only a good photo
editor can muster. But this was their dream, and very valid to them. Hope is a
very strong incentive for work.
Then we got to a
young woman (early-mid 30’s -- yes,
young. Remember my perspective…) who had just joined the class one week
ago. She was a little hesitant and I assumed it was the effort to say her piece
in English. And yes, it was that, but there was another reason as well.
-“I want to go back
to Paris” “I was there early last year with my husband”
And, of course, we
all said something along “that’s nice, what good luck to have been there”
And then she added,
fighting back tears
–“He told me with a
smile that I might have to come back alone” “We came back home and he was
killed in a car accident last December” “We placed a lock on the Bridge of Love (Pont Des Arts)
and I want to go back to visit the bridge again”
There was silence
after this and, mercifully, the clock reached the time to finish.
She lingered for a
few moments and came to me to apologize for tearing up. I said to her “There’s
no need to apologize” “There is no need to say anything” “As someone who has
lost a very dear person to an accident as well, I can tell you that the time
will pass, but his presence won’t as long as you have him in your heart and
mind”
What else was there
to say? Nothing.
Be Well … Be Back!!!
Final
Notes:
· Pray for those who are fighting an illness
which may take them away from their loved ones… Every request is heard, and
counts!!
· Follow us on Twitter … @RJAsPandora
