I just connected with a stranger who made me want to be better. It was a brief moment but one with impact. I was leaving the hotel lounge after dinner, she was coming into the lounge. She was short, I had to look down to meet her eyes. She walked on the sides of her feet, her ankles parallel with the floor and she took up more than her share of the entry because her crutches were splayed far away from her body. I saw her before she saw me because her back and head were bowed in the effort of walking. And it was an effort - it was painful to see.
I stepped to the side, waiting for her to pass by, but she stopped when she saw me. She looked up at me and I smiled at her. "Nice pedicure!" She said brightly. I was a little startled, but pleased, so I gave her a big smile. "Thank you! I do love a good pedicure!"
"Uh-huh!" She agreed and I stepped past her because she wasn't moving anymore. I doubt I'll see her again and that makes me a little sad, because that small connection with her brightened my day. A woman of warmth and courage.
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