Blessing
I was picking up Bear’s shirts at the drycleaner. Jackie, the woman who works there, said, “When is the big day?”
I said, “Sunday.”
She reached across the counter and took my hand in both of hers. “Then I have to say something,” she said. “I have to say I wish for you good life, happiness, everything good. You should not be scared. ” She smiled at me as she spoke.
A man waited with a bag of laundry, checking his phone.
“I like you,” said Jackie. “I want happy life for you.”
“I like you, too,” I said. “I want that for you, too.”
And we looked at each other, smiling.
It was sort of perfect. Getting married can do that. Suddenly everyone in the world seems to come together. And they’re all smiling at you.
* * * * *
Un-roast: Today I love the way I look when I grin. I used to cover my mouth when I smiled, when I was thirteen. I thought my smile was really dorky. I was right. But dorky is good.
P.S. Check out (if you want) my article in Huffpo about the TODAYshow.com’s report about homeschoolers, here.
Kate on October 15th 2010 in Uncategorized
Rachel responded on 15 Oct 2010 at 6:49 pm #
I think this is bittersweet. Great that you had this moment if connection, but also sad that it came only because you’re about to get married. How many people do we see regularly but never talk to?
I’m also thinking about everyone who doesn’t marry, doesn’t have children, etc. How many times will they encounter exchanges like the one you described and feel left out. – for more on this see my comment on your wedding freak out
Mary responded on 15 Oct 2010 at 6:56 pm #
You’re getting married on Sunday!? Ahh congratualations! I’ll be thinking of you. 🙂
zoe (and the beatles) responded on 15 Oct 2010 at 8:23 pm #
thanks for sharing this cute little story. it makes me smile 🙂 good luck!!!!
Jess responded on 15 Oct 2010 at 10:01 pm #
Congrats and good luck for Sunday!
Also, I was totally homeschooled and adored your article.
Noel responded on 16 Oct 2010 at 11:16 am #
First, Kate, congratulations!! I think the whole ETDC will be thinking of you tomorrow and wishing you and your fiance a lifetime of love, luck and happiness! I know I will, which seems strange considering I have never met you, but that’s the beauty of the internet, no?
Second, wanted to say how much I love this post and how it captures one of the most beautiful components of humanity. When something big or small happens to you in this life, you have a group of people, your tribe, who always rallies around you. They have most likely been there since you were small, for the good things and the bad things, just as you were there for them.
But sometimes these fleeting exchanges can mean more, when a thought or a blessing comes from someone who has no shared history with you. They don’t know if you will keep coming to their dry cleaning business, if you will pick up and move away somewhere else, or if you will ever share in any of their joys or sorrows. But they extend their hand to you nonetheless.
Noel responded on 16 Oct 2010 at 11:23 am #
Also, to Rachel, I think you have a great point, so I wanted to share with you a rare and beautiful moment of connection I had that was very un-wedding-related.
I had just graduated college, and hadn’t quite processed the reality that I was supposed to be a grown-up. I had stayed, along with most of my roommates, on campus for the summer, waiting tables and making lots of fast cash and spending it on lemon drops and late-night burritos and generally raising a lot of hell. Then suddenly it was fall, and I was at breakfast with my ex at a campus diner. Everyone was buying books and heading off to class, and I wasn’t. And the reality of my life, and that I had no idea what I was supposed to do next, came crashing down all around me.
So rather than cry and snot all over my eggs, I ran to the bathroom to pull myself together. There was an older woman at the sink–she must have been about 70 or 80–and she was one of those lovely grandmother types with the permed hair and flowered housecoats who you just know is named Betty or Florence. She took one look at my wet face, put her hands on my shoulders and said “Oh honey. Sometimes it’s just a bitch, isn’t it?” Then she smiled and walked out.
I can’t remember all the birthday or graduation or milestone wishes I’ve gotten over the years, but I never forgot that moment.
Noel responded on 16 Oct 2010 at 11:28 am #
And one more thing, and then I promise I’ll stop leaving comments! I’ve been wanting to write an un-roast, but I’ve been waiting for the right one. And then in yoga the other day it hit me(!): I feel the most beautiful when I’m in Warrior 1 or Bird of Paradise, sweating and twisting on my mat. When I’m in yoga, all the parts of my body play their parts of perfectly, like an orchestra.
Angela Jones responded on 16 Oct 2010 at 12:20 pm #
What a sweetheart. I remember with our wedding and when I was pregnant with our children, the women who would come up to me and be thrilled about our pregnancy and we didn’t even know one another. I find myself getting so excited when I hear about a wedding or a new baby. I think it is because I enjoy my marriage and motherhood so much, I hope others feel as I do. It is the little things isn’t it. When a stranger gives you a genuine smile, or holds the door open for you. They really do make a difference.
Congratulations, Kate!
Wei-Wei responded on 16 Oct 2010 at 9:59 pm #
I’m praying for you right now because I know you’re probably going to sleep right now and you probably can’t sleep. Just letting you know there’s someone out here thinking about you and sending you best of luck!
janetha g @ meals & moves responded on 17 Oct 2010 at 5:30 am #
CONGRATULATIONS. because by the time you read this, you will be married. i can’t wait for your married posts.
by the way, kate, i’ve been faithfully reading and i feel bad that i haven’t been faithfully commenting. not that you care either way, but because i feel like i should always tell you how much i love your writing. because i love it. every post, every time.
anyway, enough about that, YAY FOR YOU AND THE MISTER!
love your face. mrs.
Virginia responded on 17 Oct 2010 at 1:24 pm #
I just clicked on here because I remembered “I think today is Kate’s wedding day!” And it is! And I love this post.
Hope everything about today is beautiful (in the same sense as the conversation you describe above) for you both!
Cindy responded on 18 Oct 2010 at 10:54 am #
gosh don’t you LOOOOOOOOOVE simple honest moments like that. when a complete stranger just touches your heart!
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH…As it’s Monday now..that means you are married and off on your honeymoon??
can’t wait to hear all about it…Mrs. Bear!
oxoxoxoxox
San D responded on 18 Oct 2010 at 1:11 pm #
Went to the wedding. She was gorgeous, he was adorably handsome. They lit up the room with their smiles, love, and cuteness. Everything was magical; music, laughter, speeches, good food,spiritual ceremony surrounded by friends and family. What a way to start a life together.
Cindy responded on 18 Oct 2010 at 8:12 pm #
THANKS SAN D for the peek!
I knew she’s be a beautiful and stunning bride!
so so happy for them both!