Sunday, January 23, 2011

embrace loving-kindness...

Recently, as we were returning home complaining of the bitter cold, my daughter and I encountered a survivor of an ongoing building fire.  She was standing in a corridor, dressed only in her obviously comfy pajamas, socks on her feet, wearing a do-rag (for those who have worn them, you understand the importance of this!) and was clinging to her top trying to cover her body.

Can i help you? in any way?, little Selah asked.

Oh no, my dear.  I'm just standing here keeping an eye on my apartment because i ran out, just like this, leaving the door open, the lady replied.

Her soft, familiar Haitian accent immediately warmed my heart and we burst into conversation.  We shared a quick geographical lesson, because the beautiful land of my birth, Montserrat, is barely visible on most maps.   A lesson I've rehearsed well by now since I've been giving it since I was a teenager.  Usually, the live volcano does the trick, and it didn't fail me this time either.

We talked a little about the Caribbean...the feeling of inter-connectedness you get when you meet one another.  (I wonder if it's like this for everyone.)  We offered her shelter from the cold, if only to warm up, but she decided to stand guard until it was safe to return.  Waving goodbye, we left.

Little Selah really wanted to help her.  So, we got her a cup of mint tea (a little refreshment in times like these), some of my homemade coconut pound cake (you know, for comfort food), and a sweater to keep her warm.  

...and they both smiled, and my heart was glad...  the end.

what random act of kindness shall i do today?  hmmm...

17 comments:

Anyes said...

How warm she must have felt inside having met you and little SeLah, knowing that you cared so much and offered your help. Beautiful, as you are :-)

Gail said...

Oh my - and so this tragedy presented itself and in return kindness was bestowed, exchanged, lovingly known. Amen
Love Gail
peace.....

Kass said...

I am warmed too. Thanks.

I've only been kind to myself today.
I'm cleaning out the clutter in my basement.

Cathi said...

That warmed my heart reading this!! I visited my elderly friends at the assisted living home today, it always makes my heart soar!! xxoo :)

Tracy said...

Oh, my goodness... that poor soul... I hope she will be all right. What a sweetheart your daughter. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as the saying goes. ;o) It's amazing what seemingly small comforts can do--a little tea, a little good, a little warmth... Small, but very big for the soul. I feel warmed to the soul just being here. :o) LOVE YOU ((BIG HUGS))

Kim Mailhot said...

Little loving acts are miracles we get to create and experience ourselves, I think.
I love your tender hearts, Momma and Little Selah !

Joanna Jenkins said...

That made my heart happy. Thank you.
xo jj

ELK said...

this story touched my heart .. your little selah has a heart to help ..like her mommy!! i like the photo you used

margie said...

your sweetness is being outshone by the sweetness of the little one.

Relyn Lawson said...

Oh, I'd say you are raising Little Se'lah just exactly right.

Birdie said...

you teach your daughter important lessons by being the example for her ... and now you can see that you teach her well ... it's a wonderful story and I said it before but I will repeat 'you are the change you want to see in the world'! sending love.

Connie said...

the apple does not fall far from the tree...she has learned from great example! beautiful!

A Box of Chocolates said...

oh my i love adore and admire your baby girl what a darling and where did it come from mummy but you thank you for bestowing upon this world a tiny angel ready to spread her wings and bless as she flies i love her.

Chris said...

Isn't it amazing just how small a world we live in really is? Loved this post!!

Chris said...

Forgot to mention I also love this photo as well!

Marilyn Miller said...

You have taught little Se'Lah well, she has a giving heart. Blessings!

paris parfait said...

Such a lovely story! Little Se'Lah has a big heart. xo