But she did.

Are we really aware of how powerful small gestures of kindness can be?

Yesterday we ran to get a few items at our local grocery store. I kept running into an attractive older woman in a striking leopard-print coat. We would smile at each other and grasp hands, then each go back to our own shopping. The third time it happened, we laughed aloud. No words exchanged, because the language barrier was obvious. At the checkout, there was a small commotion and I realized that someone in line, several customers back, had passed down their discount card for us to use. I looked up and saw the woman in the leopard coat. Smiling.

She didn’t have to loan us her card. She didn’t have to reach out. But she did.

Today a car stopped in front of our home (on a very busy road) and honked. When I went out to see who it was, an elderly woman jumped out (leaving her car running and in the middle of traffic, with her huge dog inside). And then, in rapid-fire Italian (most of which I did not understand at all), she proceeded to tell my husband and me that she knew the family that used to live in the villa and that she’d spent time there. Very little was successfully communicated in words, other than my husband conveying that we were from America and had two sons still living there, and that we lived in the “grande casa” by ourselves. But we were all left with warm feelings and a promise that she would return for a visit.

She didn’t have to stop her car. She didn’t have to reach out. But she did.

Imagine me, a recent Italian transplant (where everything, every day, is different) experiencing such camaraderie. Such goodwill. Real human connection.

Well, guess what? These attributes can extend beyond language barriers. They can break down other barriers as well. Those of religion. Of race. Those of politics. Of orientation or identity.

The women who seek me out as clients come from all different backgrounds. Extreme left, extreme right, Christians, atheists. The list goes on. I am a counselor and a coach. I meet them where they are and do not even think about their persuasions. I find the space where they are struggling or confused, or hurting or restless. And I (hopefully) help them find a way to ease their pain or frustration. I do not have to agree with their world in order to do that.

I actually prefer and welcome the diversity. It makes me more aware, and I think more alive. It gives me the perspective I sometimes lack (of real people, who just happen to disagree on important issues). It’s what makes this life, this world, interesting.

Let’s support and encourage and embrace each other, in spite of our apparent differences. Let’s be the example the world is so desperately needing right now.

Sending warm hugs from Tuscany . . .

 
 
*******
 
 
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