Avoid Eye Contact

I was uptown today to get an HIV/AIDS test.  I always get super paranoid when I'm newly single so don't be worried as tis merely a formality of my insanity.  I don't know why but I feel the need to be uber healthy and aware of said health when I'm not fucking anyone...weird, I know.  Anyhoo, so for my journey home I catch one of those little mini buses that hold many and drive like the devil.  I make eye contact with this woman who starts talking about the flowers out our window.  Usually, I avoid such contact.  People are fucking crazy and those that transit are to be kept at leg kicking lengths.  However, I was feeling lightheaded having just given blood and engaged.

She seemed to be a worldly woman of distinct attire.  Not odd distinct.  Kind of tasteful classic I'll say.  She had grey/silver hair and was wearing a moderate amount of heavy gold jewelry.  She had minimal makeup on but was quite strikingly pretty.  Not beautiful but a very handsome women indeed.  She mentioned the beauty of the cherry blossoms and asked me what my favorite springtime flower was.  I hesitated in thought, for why would I lie to a stranger and told her that I was fond of the crocus.  "Ah yes," She said knowingly.

From there she mentioned that the world doesn't take the time anymore to 'stop and smell the roses' as the saying goes.  She went on to say that, "We are so obsessed with what we don't have that we cannot fathom appreciating what we do."

I added, "We are indeed consumed by what our neighbors have."  I was fascinated by this woman's openness and thought to ask her take on the current situation we find ourselves in.

She said knowingly, "Television.  Television has ruined our civilization.  I divorced my first husband because he didn't match up to how Hollywood depicts a relationship should unfold.  He took care of the kids, changed diapers, washed walls and I didn't appreciate him or what I had because I was told there was something better.  I expected what others had and gave up being grateful for what was right in front of me."

This women, a total stranger to me on this shitty bumpy bus was bestowing upon me some very generous wisdom.  We all know this lesson but who of us needs to be reminded periodically to keep us on the path of internal growth and enlightenment?  Who of us needs a gentle nudge once in a while to hold true to what's important and say 'fuck it' to the other stuff?  This guy.  I thanked her for sharing and pulled the chord for my stop.  I must admit I wanted to chat more but you know how life and bus stops can get in the way of that.  As I walked the short distance to the door she said, "Every time I see a crocus, I'll think of you."  I waved and that was that.  A gorgeous moment between two people at very different stages in their lives, connecting over the shared experience of simply being alive.  I wanted to share this because I wasn't zoned into my phone.  I wasn't blaring music from my ever present head phones.  And I didn't avoid eye contact with a crazy lady talking about how beautiful the flowers outside our window were.  These are the moments we live for people...don't forsake their weight on your day or in your life.