Just Another November

My scarf was scarlet, and the Chanel lipstick I had carefully applied was called Flame.

Still when I confronted the obstacle of an uneven curb, I knew only one descriptive word was applicable.

Yes, it begins with a vowel and the other two letters are consonants, and I hate it. However, unless we step off this beautiful earth early in life for the eternal journey, it hovers in everyone’s future.

Today even while I was reluctantly admitting its reality, a firm arm suddenly grasped mine and helped me across the perilous path.

Even though it is a Friday I was en route to church to celebrate one of the remaining Holy Days observed by those who share my faith.

As I looked up to say “Thank You,” another unknown stranger, a Good Samaritan who came to my aid almost half a century ago, resurrected in memory.

I had no fears of steps or curbs or falling then, I was still young. However, once again I was in a Church on the November day when we traditionally remember those we loved and forever mourn.

My husband was away on business and I had four youngsters in tow. The two older ones were sedate, and snuggled quietly in the crowded pew. The two younger ones, far more rambunctious, and yes, noisy, were causing chaos for all nearby. Meditation of any kind was definitely being disrupted.

A strong arm but gentle arm quietly took the wailing infant from me and quickly soothed him. I was then able to lift the unhappy toddler into my lap, and St. Kilian's entire congregation sighed with relief. The sermon continued without further interruptions from our family.

Those are Just two incidents of the kindness of strangers or in biblical lingo, Good Samaritans.

When I had left home earlier today for the Church service, I had been watching the TV coverage of the impeding impeachment hearings. I felt coated with the saturation of the ugly political scene that has invaded our land. It seemed to cling to my persona with tenacity despite my aversion

The small gesture of kindness I experienced shortly afterwards quickly washed away all the negativity without a trace. Instead it resurrected a belief in the kindness of mankind and the essential goodness of humanity.

As I remembered two isolated and yes, minute incidents of kindness, my faith in the essential goodness of humanity was reaffirmed.