From the Heart
“I saved you a seat.” Oh, the sweetness of those words.
I was walking into Leah’s gymnastics meet and I had no idea where to go and what to do once we got registered.
The mother of Leah’s teammate called out to me and said that I could sit with her and the other mothers.
She had saved me a seat knowing I was not familiar with the gist of gymnastics. In other words, I was totally out of my element. I may not have had a deer in the headlights look but definitely had one of “Grandma is lost and please help me find my way.”
I wanted to hug her.
Now as an extrovert you would think I could just walk into that gym and find my way around. Sure, I could do that but I was not comfortable doing so.
The truth is that I have always dreaded walking into a room of people by myself. What if I sit in the seat where someone usually sits? What if I am not familiar with the program and what to do when?
I have tried my best over the years to include new people in a conversation. If someone looks lost I try to help them find their way. I’ve also believed that what goes around comes around.
Comfort is found in the simple kindness of others.
My mother was a great example of making people feel comfortable, and at 93 she still does.
Last week when her assisted living was having a Mother’s Tea she heard her neighbor say that she would just stay in her room. She had asked the activity director where she was supposed to go and why. Mom sensed her hesitation. Mom gave me the “look.”
I reassured her neighbor that she could sit with us and join in the fun. We would make sure she got back to her apartment. She smiled as she walked with us down the hallway.
Soon, she was wearing a bonnet and singing with the singers and enjoying some tea and pastries. Mom held her hand and said, “Isn’t this nice?” Her smile became a sweet grin. They sang and swayed to the music of Sentimental Journey.
We got her back to her room and Mom said, “Janet, I know what it is like to be new here and afraid to not be included. I wanted her to know she has a friend.”
I guess my mom taught me well. She saved me a seat in the front row of kindness.