In a world that seems increasing ugly, sad, and cruel, I pray each day that I will be guided to seek and share joy. In what might seem the smallest of ways, we might change another's day or life. I greet strangers, hold doors, help others when I can. If nothing else, I offer the world a smile.
On the bus this morning, I ended up in conversation with a 16 year old couple who have recently moved here from Washington State. They hadn't come together, rather the universe converged their paths. They were a true delight!
Excited, they were on their way to the DMV to apply for learner's permits, and to secure state issued photo IDs. They had their automotive futures all planned out. The young guy took a protective lead. He said that they had done a lot of research, and knew what to look for in used vehicles. He added that used car dealers would probably try to cheat his beautiful friend, but he would be there to make certain that nothing of the sort transpired. Overly modern folks might have dubbed him sexist, but seeing his posture, his serious smile and gallantry made me almost tear. I glanced over for the girl's response. Her dimples and demure smile said it all. We chatted, and laughed as we discussed the ins and outs of the New York State Drivers License process. I pulled the cord for my stop, while making certain that they knew where to get off a couple stops ahead. I wanted to tag along with them for the day they were so much fun.
I successfully ran my errands.
In the rain, I traveled by bus back to the hub in order to transfer onward to campus. At the hub my joyous mood drastically changed. At the university stop a young man in a wheelchair approached. I stepped aside to offer him room. He appeared to be a burn victim. The poor man was without ears, had one leg, where is left eye should have been skin was graphed tightly leaving no appearance of any purpose for that side of his face. His entire head looked raw and light pink. A tall student and others looked down on the man in curious contempt.
Rather than step aside to make way for the driver to lower the ramp for the man, more than a dozen people stood their ground either intentionally ignoring the man, or keeping watch from the corner of their eyes, as if to dare him to try to board before them. I tried to make eye contact with any or all of them. I could not, they were concentrating on being their worst selves. After those "people" boarded, I wedged myself sideways preventing the others (probably a couple dozen people) from getting on the bus. The man then backed his chair away a few feet. I greeted him with a smile and asked if he was going to board? He looked around at the impatient scowling faces and said with a smile "Thank you very much! I think that I will wait inside for the next bus. I don't want to bother people." My heart sank.
Yeah, "Oh the humanity," is about right.
