Speak Up When You See It

Monday, 26 August 2024 Written by Cheryl Richardson

I slipped out of the hotel room, pulling the door handle behind me to ensure it was locked.

My husband Michael was sound asleep and I wanted to enjoy a little breakfast before we headed home from a family wedding. Walking down the long hallway towards the lobby, I studied the carpeted floor – dark blue with little white stars. I thought about all the hotel hallways I’d seen in my years of traveling alone and felt grateful to have Michael with me.

When I entered the restaurant, I was met by a hostess with a warm smile. “Let me seat you at a table by the window because the sunlight is lovely today.” I thought to myself, a woman after my own heart, as I set my book and room key down in front of me. It was the perfect spot – a view that looked out over a courtyard with a fireplace and cozy chairs.

I thanked the hostess for her thoughtfulness and smiled at an older woman seated at a table behind me. Several minutes later, a couple arrived. As the woman sat down, the man approached the lady behind me and started a conversation.

“Wasn’t the wedding lovely?” he commented.

“Yes,” she replied, “it was a beautiful day.”

“By the way,” the woman continued, “thank you very much for asking me to dance. It’s the first time I’ve done so in nearly ten years since my husband passed and it really made my day.”

They exchanged pleasantries before parting company and returning to breakfast. Their encounter reminded me of how connection is good for the soul. I suspect that the man who asked the woman to dance had no idea what it might mean to her before he did so. It was the highlight of her day.

Last month, while a friend and I were out to dinner, we noticed a mom with two small boys at the table beside us doing a lovely job entertaining and caring for her kids. At the end of their meal, when she got up to leave, we made a point of naming what we saw.

“You’re an amazing Mom,” we told her. “So thoughtful and loving. Your boys are really lucky to have you.”

Upon hearing our words, the mom sat back down and started to cry. “This is my first night out as a single parent,” she admitted, “and you have no idea what this means to me. I swear I’ll remember this moment for the rest of my life.”

The rest of her life. Wow. My friend and I looked at each other, astonished at the impact and happy we said something!

During a time when the world is so polarized, it’s helpful to remember that we find our shared humanity in the simple, everyday chances to love people – strangers and friends alike. Keep your eyes open for opportunities. Be brave and risk being intimate. When you see something, say something. Who knows? You may remember the moment for the rest of your life.

Love,
Cheryl

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