I am humbled

I had a conversation with a lady last night. I do not know her story. I can only assume that it has neither been as comfortable nor as easy as mine.

We talked about her baby, who is 2, and mine, who is 14. We both spoke with pride at their age and accomplishments. She asked where my son was and I explained that it is his week with his father. A look came over her face that I can best describe as pity and compassion as she said "You are all alone this week? All by yourself?" I replied "yes" before something in the other room caught our attention and the conversation ended.

It was a brief exchange and probably not even a memory for her.

For me it was a reminder that for all the "stuff" I may have, the comforts that are mine, there are things that I am missing.

Yes, I have friends, family and a full calendar but there are honestly days that I can not speak to another human outside of interactions at work. It is my new reality and I am adjusting.

As I was leaving this time of fellowship, the gentleman I sat beside all evening asked me if I had a dollar to spare. If you know me, you know that I NEVER have cash. It is a habit I've developed despite the reminder on the sign of the convenience store I pass several times a day proclaiming "Real men tote cash. ATM inside." As I expressed my regrets, he told me he hoped I had blessed week and that he would like a chance to talk some day because I have a friendly face.

Such minor interactions to most but for someone who had no one to go home to, they meant the world. I'm really enjoying my time with this new-found group of believers.