We've been away from our Colorado mountain home for nearly a month.
Friends send us photos of snow in Breckenridge.
Here in S California, there is mist over the ocean when we awake.
Morning light is soft as waves surge forward crashing against rock.
Each day, we walk to exercise.
Some of the people we pass recognize us now.
We smile and greet each other.
We're friendly strangers.
One day in the grocery store, a man (another customer) started talking to me.
He was originally from the Middle East where his family had a farm stand.
He wanted to teach me how to find the best oranges.
Taking a pocket knife from his jacket, he insisted I taste one.
I wondered briefly about the cleanliness of his knife.
Also, was it OK to just take an orange?
However, he was insistent, so I complied.
The orange he chose from the pile was delicious.
He cut it in segments, watching while I ate, the juice dripping off my chin.
Finally, he wondered why I was visiting in California.
Telling him my husband is receiving cancer treatment, I felt the sting of tears in my eyes.
Gently, he drew me into a hug and whispered, "I will pray for you both."
For the rest of the day, the scent of oranges lingered on my skin.
I'll remember kindness now whenever I smell oranges.
Each weekday Bob receives a proton radiation treatment. Today is #10.
When he reaches 28, we can go home to Colorado.
Meanwhile, we smile at strangers and accept their kindness.
Always (ALWAYS!) there is One Good Thing.
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