Mother Theresa once said, "Peace begins with a smile." I thought of this the other day when I jolted to a stop at a stop sign where an elderly lady had paused before crossing. The jolt of my car startled her and she cast her eyes down and away from me. I tried smiling, apologetically, but was unable to meet her eyes. Then we were in a stand off because I was not going to move until after she crossed. But, in order for her to cross, she would have to make eye-contact. Alas, she looked up from her cane, cautiously, and my bright smile was waiting, accompanied by a gesture with my hands to "please cross." I wanted to roll down my window and tell her to have a lovely day. I wanted to tell her that I love seeing her walk around town with a cane and to please take her time and don't feel rushed. I wanted to tell her what a gift it was to see an elderly lady walking with a cane. It occurred to me that she is often met with glares of impatience and, perhaps, unkind words. Our youth-obsessed culture has no use for old ladies with canes. Rather, they are the butt of jokes. So, many, I am sure, opt to stay home where they can hobble in peace. I hope that my smile was enough to give her a little peace as she continued on her journey.
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