I’m a mother of a 12 yr. Old son, and have recently earned my college degree. The only thing I had lacking this last year on getting that degree, was Social Interaction. We were given an assignment as a final grade to write on some experience we had in the next week. It could be about anything that we chose. I wasn’t sure what it would be, probably a story about my son, because he experiences something every day, and I knew we had planned to go to his favorite place, Taco Bell that night. I knew he would share something, and I could use it because his sharing it with me, made it part of our dinner experience.
I think of myself as a sometimes shy, but caring person. I have begun to open up more since I have been here at Soul Cast, because you all are so friendly an open with me and each other, and my mom has shared her heart concerning all of you, that it is hard not to share that same heart.
We walked into Taco Bell and there seemed to be a gap between two people at the counter and the other customers, but I didn’t think too much about it, and probably was only half noticing because I was busy talking to my son. I was waved up to the line where the two ladies were ordering, and I got close enough to hear that they were only ordering two small sodas.
My son, tugged at my sleeve and said mom, I think they are hungry, because look at them and see how they are dressed and look how thin they are, mom I don’t think they have any other money than to buy water. So, while they were ordering their two waters, I bent in close to one of their ears, then realizing why there might have been the gap in the line between them and the other customers because they did smell somewhat like maybe they could have used a shower.
I whispered in the ear of the one closest to me and asked her if I could please buy them supper, and tears ran down their faces as they nodded, as I asked them what would they like. They pointed up at the board and ordered #5 and I got it for them and brought it over to their table. They were so grateful and I bent down and gave them each a hug, and went to a table with my son.
The next day, I had to get up and read my story in front of the entire class and was feeling a little shaky. I didn’t really know why, but I think it was because maybe I thought they would not understand how deeply this experience touched my heart, and sometimes, when things touch your heart that deeply, it is hard to share with others. Exactly how I feel.
While I was reading my story, tears uncontrollably slid down my face and was dropping onto my shirt, and I also began sniffling a little, and I tried to muffle them so no one would hear it. When I got through the story, a mere moment passed as everyone had left their seats to hug me, and wipe at my tears. There are times in our lives that we can rise to the needs of others, but when we can accept love and gratification from others, that is really something special. I went into that classroom knowing a something about unconditional love, because I believe I have been blessed with that from my husband, my son, my parents, and my church, and of course, God, but that day, I learned a lesson in acceptance. Sometimes, it easier for us to show love to others than to stand back and allow others to show love to us.
