While waiting for the local bus after shopping a while back, I sat next to a woman, who appeared to be homeless. There were about ten of us waiting at the same location that day, all talking and trying to stay warm, since the day was quite chilly.
I started a conversation with the woman, who seemed a bit surprised that I had addressed her. After chatting a while, I’d found out that the woman was a graduate of UCLA, where she had studied acting and screenwriting. Being a former theatrical costumer myself, we got into an interesting conversation. She told me that she had worked in foreign films. We discussed several of them, as I am a big fan of independent and foreign- made movies.
I took out some apricots and offered them to her, and she politely refused, saying “no, thank you”. I laughed, saying “I don’t blame you, since they are too healthy, anyway!”.
Then I pulled out two chocolate candy bars, which caused her to smile.
As we continued chatting, while eating our chocolate treat, I thought about life, and its frequent detours…“mini-pilgrimages”, I like to call them. Both the lady and I had lost jobs in the arts. Both of us are older women, and I, too, had lived in Southern California, at one point in my life. And yes, we both have had dreams that “went by the wayside”. This is life, detours and all, and the mini pilgrimages are what get us back on track.
When my bus finally came, I said goodbye to the lady. As I walked away, she called out, “And don’t worry, I have a place to stay tonight!” And I smiled and thanked her, for sharing a candy bar with me, as a young man gave her money to buy another one.
mufa, 8 months ago
Yes – it’s the little things that count isn’t it…..............
sra58 in reply to mufa’s comment, 8 months ago
[smile]
itsallgoodamanda, 8 months ago
i cried such kindness is a rare thing these days,if only i could push through the pain inside things like this cheer me up ,We are all going to the same place,just along different roads cheers thanks for sharing
sra58 in reply to itsallgoodamanda’s comment, 8 months ago
Thank you for your kind remarks.
Have a great week.
Sharon A.
m. nelson, 8 months ago
those moments you have to treasure..thank you for sharing this story
sra58 in reply to m. nelson’s comment, 8 months ago
You are welcome.
Sharon
caroline caux-..., 8 months ago
GRAND§
sra58 in reply to caroline caux-evans’s comment, 8 months ago
Thanks, Caroline.
Sharon
indeterminacy, 8 months ago
That’s a warm, human story. We’re all in this bus together, aren’t we.
linaji, 7 months ago
‘There’s more than one way home, ain’t no right way ain’t no wrong’ what ever road you might be on you find your own way cause there’s more than one way home’ Keb Mo
GREAT SLICE OF LIFE!
sra58 in reply to linaji’s comment, 7 months ago
Thank you.
Sharon
Faith Puleston, 6 months ago
Ships passing in the night. In my theatre days I visited many cities and was always passing through. Now people are passing me by. That incident on the bus was similar. You had this momentary meeting then parted. I wonder how the woman reflected on the meeting? We will never know.
Nobody is born to be a “down and out”, but many experience tremendous tragedy and misfortune, or succumb to human weakness (drugs and drink), or …well, there are so many reasons – and end up that way. Probably the most important thing is to retain and respect human dignity. This anecdote reflects that. Being able to accept help is as important as being able to offer it.
Maria White, 5 months ago
Very nice story! Thank you for sharing it!
Devalyn Marshall, 3 months ago
Beautifully written!!