hello, gorgeous!

"Hey, hey, girlie! You flashing back to that sign in Las Vegas?"

Oh, wow, I'd kinda sorta forgotten about that one. Good memories!!! No, I'm referring to the words spoken to me this morning as I was hobbling through the heat to enter the Savannah VA Center. I'd made it through the outer door and had taken a pause in the middle to cool off. Then this lovely man opened the door wide and said, "Hello, gorgeous!" Surprised, I smiled wide and thanked him, of course. Then he added, "Have an amazing day!" "You, too!"

"My, oh my! That was a nice surprise!"

It really was! After I checked in for the lab appointment, I sat and let that random act of kindness sink in... and almost started to cry. That's a real rarity, to have a stranger offer such words. When I was younger, I'd have sailors say such things, but that's been fifty years ago, or close to it.

"What's that meme you just flashed up? Something from fb?"

Yes, it's something that the ex's Andy posted. '8 Things You'll Probably Never Know' has a lot of truth to it, and that stranger's goodness made me remember it. That guy's kindness wasn't the only wonderful thing that happened at the VA Center, though. Kim, the nurse that saw me today, kidded around as she wrapped my right hand after the blood draw. "Just because you look like a boxer now, don't be doing what LL Cool J said." I laughed and sang, "Mama said knock you out!" Hahahaha! We both got a kick out of that, her for referencing the song and me for picking up on it. (smile!)

"Hahaha! That reminds me of the purple panther moment you had!"

Oh, yes, that was fun! A bright moment during that first year of the pandemic. Taking the time to cut up with the young clerk at the grocery store. I wonder if #5 might pertain to that time and place for that young man?

"Beats me, dear. He'd be 24 or 25 now, wouldn't he?"

Probably. I feel sure he was in high school 6 years ago. Maybe #5 actually refers to me talking about him? His name was Sam.

"Well, see there? You did do a #5! Let's go ahead and list them, for folks who don't want to zoom in on that picture."

1. Someone out there once fell for you... and never told you.

2. A stranger noticed you and smiled, you just didn't see it.

3. Someone still remembers something kind you did years ago.

4. You've been the reason someone didn't give up.

5. Your name has come up in conversation you'll never hear.

6. Someone defended you when you weren't in the room.

7. There's someone who checks your messages and smiles.

8. Your life inspires people who never say a word.

"There! That will make it easier for all to read and enjoy!"

Thanks, that was a good idea. Oh, and hears another kindness from Kim! She needed to have a urine sample from me, too. When I said I'd try, "but I don't know how much will make it into that little cup," she asked if I'd like a hat. Say what? Apparently, there's this wide-brimmed bowl that goes below the seat, so it catches the urine without a woman having to get pee all over her hand trying to find the stream. Hooray!!! I'm going to mention her name every time I need a urine test in the future!!!

"I'd say this is shaping up to be a rather amazing day..."

Yes, I do believe it is! i thank You, God!

therapy

Sometimes, it's good to get out and about and try something new. Today, I danced with an Aztec, ran my hands all over a butterfly, and was treated to a free cold drink when I found my credit card was not, alas, in my pocket.
All of it was therapy for my body, my mind, and my spirit.
I almost missed every bit of it, too.
I had worked all morning on updating my gradebooks, even posting the grades online for my students. I had graded post-lab reports, odious things that they are. I had a rough draft written of the final exams for next week and was waiting on 2 PM, a time promised to a student who needed an early exam. I was feeling rather wrung out from too much time in my cold office.
It was just past noon so I headed into the sunshine, toward the proposed site of an early Cinco de Mayo festivity. I had already missed the first dance, but I caught the next one. Then there was a slight break and I took advantage of the time to go grab a drink.
On my way, I was distracted by a stunningly beautiful dog. Yes, indeed, a dog in the building, along with others, there to provide an opportunity for relaxation during this stressful week. She was mostly snow white, but with tiny dark splashes, like freckles. Her cheeks, ears, and part of her throat were encased in mottled butterly wings of dark brown, black, and gray, with the butterly body represented by a midpoint mottled circle between strips of the snow white fur. Her brown eyes blended into the wings, maintaining the imagery. She graciously allowed me to caress her ears and head and back for several moments, allowing me to relax and breathe again. Then another in need of her warmth and giving spirit arrived, freeing me from her spell.
I resumed my mission for liquid nourishment and found the lemonade I enjoyed. I also grabbed a package of pretzels, then headed for the register. The cashier rang up the tab and, when I reached into my pocket, I found my school ID, my driver's license, and... my blood donor card. No credit card, though. The woman behind me announced "Let this be my treat as a random act of kindness." W o w. Just that fast, my spirit again lifted. I thanked her and put the pretzels back on the shelf, as the beverage was all I had originally wanted. After thanking her again, I walked back toward the dance area; my therapy dog had left the building and it was time for me to do the same.
The dancer was giving us a background talk on his upcoming homage to the sunlight. He encouraged crowd participation, asking for us to hold the ancient words in our mouths and offer them anew to the air. The dance was graceful and colorful and rather serene. Afterward, the dancer (John from aztecatlanta.com) invited us to come dance with him, in front of the Student Union, and I could swear he was talking directly to ME. Why not!!! I had been tapping my bare feet to the music already and this WAS a celebration and I was feeling rather rejuvenated ... so I came on up to join him. And as soon as I did, several young folks joined in! And so we all danced, kicking our feet, holding hands, shouting!!!
Afterward, I thanked the dancer and he admitted that he had, deliberately, been looking at me when he issued the invitaion to dance. He had done so because he could tell I wanted to dance and he thought it very likely that I would come up, opening the door for others to join in. Nice compliment for me!
Therapy dance, therapy dog, therapy drink. Therapy.