Ever since my mom died, I have been drawn to all things yellow. You see, my mom loved the color yellow. She didn’t wear it much but she liked it around her. My childhood bedroom walls, trinkets, flowers, soap containers; all yellow. So now I’m drawn to yellow because it’s a way to connect to her and God knows, I want to stay connected to her.
So when I happened to see someone selling some pictures of yellow flowers on facebook, I instantly wanted them. And when I found out that they were 5 bucks each, I knew that I would have them. 😉 And even better, the seller lives about 5 minutes from me! It was like fate, I’m just saying.
So I stopped by and got my pictures. 🙂 I immediately hugged them to me but, thankfully, it was only obvious to me. I felt compelled to tell her about my mom but more specifically, why I wanted the pictures. Of course, she offered her condolences. I thanked her and tried to fake gloss over it. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. She then told me that her husband’s uncle died the night before. Of course, I offered my condolences.
Then she went back to my mom and told me she was sorry again. And then she said, “Can I give you a hug?”
Of course, I said yes. I’m a hugger, after all. And I got a hug.
But it wasn’t just a hug. It was a real hug. She hugged me like we had known each other for years. It was totally like 30 seconds or whatever that number is that they say you need a day.
We talked for a few more minutes. And I left feeling lighter than I had in a long time. I gave my condolences to her husband (who was outside) and hopped in the car with my slightly annoyed from waiting so long kids.
When I got home, I messaged her with
“I really needed that hug. Thank you.”
And she responded with “Of course!! Anytime!”
I resisted the urge to go for the joke and say that I was on my way back and just sent back a smile.
Then she added “The world could use a lot more love right now. It was my pleasure.”
I agreed that it did. And that was it. I will likely never see her again and she will likely never know how much I really did need that at that moment. Or all the moments, who are we kidding?
But I will try to follow her lead. And when I look at the pictures on my wall, I will think of my mom and how much I love her. But I will also think of a girl that I don’t really know and be grateful that I met her.
t
the6parkers 