There She Goes
It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear, the wind was gently blowing and the sun was warming my face as I sat in the smallest of cafes. I had just sat down to do some school work. Thoughts of the semester and how quickly it was coming to an end were rushing through my head.
A car pulled up to the curb just outside the window. It was a family of four all bundled up in their winter coats- the mother and younger sister sat in the back and the older sister and father sat up front. It was unusual, I thought “Why are they sitting like that?” I stared back at my computer screen, trying to pull my thoughts back together. I couldn’t help it- I looked back up. Everyone had stepped out of the car except the sister in the front seat. I watched as the younger sister opened the front door and held out her hand. The sisters locked hands as the older one got up from the front seat and had the door shut behind her. The family started to walk towards the cafe. I noticed how the wind played with the girls hair, twisting and twirling it in the wind. They stepped into the small cafe, chatting and smiling. Quickly they ordered coffee, teas and pastries and sat down a table in the corner. I turned back to my school work and eves dropping on two Ivy League students seated next to me complaining about their lavish summer plans to travel to Spain and Greece.
After a short time the family that had captured my attention left the cafe. They began to walk away from the direction of their car. “ They must be looking at the gallery next door” I pondered, “ or shopping down the street. This city is so wonderful for that.” But no. I was wrong. They hadn’t turned the corner to gaze a paintings or amuse themselves with gadgets and garmets up and down the street. An hour or so later they returned. They had gone to the salon. When they returned to their car I understood. The older sister who was sitting in the front seat was now completely bald. Her long beautiful flowing hair was gone-shaved away.
I was shocked. It all made sense now. That’s why the younger sister had helped her out of the car. That’s why she was sitting up front. I let a tear slip from my eye as I watched in wonder. My throat clenched as I swallowed and struggled to understand my reaction. I didn’t know her or her family. I don’t know the struggle personally. What if I’m wrong-what if she doesnt have cancer? I’ll never know for sure, but it sure seemed like that was true.
I hope she’s okay-or better than okay I hope she’s living happily. But I’ll never know and I think that will bother me. Im not sure why I felt so compelled by this scene. Perhaps it was empathy that struck me. What ever may have happened I was reminded that day- Live life fully. Treasure each moment and be present.
