This man was visibly shaken and soon I learned that it was he who had been the recipient of that wretched comment I'd just heard. This man, who had an accent, a charming one, was so flustered by this woman who'd been horribly unkind, that for a few moments he kind of lost track of himself there with me ... he took out his wallet and handed it to me, showed me his driver's license, talked fast to me about what an honorable citizen he has been over these many years ... I told him that I was sure that he had been and to please try to let that horrible statement roll off of his back, but it was evident to me that he was close to tears ...
All I could think to do was go into my wallet where I knew I had a sheet of "Love" stamps. I quickly tore one off for him and asked him to please put it on his hand and look at it throughout the day so that he would know that he is loved ... he tried to give me back the stamp, saying that it cost me money and I shouldn't give it to him and I told him that I didn't care, I wanted him to have it ... he was then quiet for a few moments as he looked thoughtfully down at the Love stamp. He then peeled off the adhesive and proudly stuck the stamp atop his metal postal employee identification badge. And we just nodded and smiled at each other. It was an experience - both harrowing and tender.
:: Rising Above ::
there are times
and there are other times
times when the wind pays forceful heed to your hair
by insisting it take on new angles
and times when strife seems to know
no name but your own
times when the wind and strife
feebly attempt to give your life
new purpose, darkly calling
there are times when you
faintly answer the wind and strife ... downward times
and there are times more when you don't ... rising above -sjp
