Human touch…

Yesterday, we rode as a family of five. We covered some beautiful ground in rural Germany while most of Germany was glued to the tube and the football battle with Spain. We had the bike paths mainly to ourselves. Yes, it was freakin’ magic.

However, as we rode through a tiny, non-descript village, an elderly woman, her sister (I assume), and husband were approaching us in a narrow part of the path. The oldest woman appeared to be battling something as her husband pushed her wheelchair gently and lovingly toward us. Andrew, Ek, and Miss scooted by them by hoping into the vacated street. I stayed the course on the path as I was bringing up the rear, you know. Slowing to a stop, the woman in the wheelchair and I made eye contact. Andrew has oftentimes told me to leave the Germans alone as they mostly don’t want to engage with strangers. I mostly engage them, anyway. So, as we made eye contact, I smiled and greeted her and her friends. She returned the volley and then some.

Turning in her wheelchair, she asked me in broken English where we were from. I stopped completely and replied we’re from Ohio in the USA. Her smile widened from ear to ear. Her eyes brightened. She could hardly contain her excitement. She reached out toward me with her left hand and grabbed mine. She squeezed it hard and affirming. I felt her joy. Then she told me about her son. He had come to visit America, back in the day, when he was a senior in High school. My sense was she had not been herself. We talked ever so briefly about America and her eyes filled with childlike wonder. Seared my sorriness as emotion gripped me in this sacred, divine moment. As we waved our goodbyes, she grabbed my forearm for one more squeeze. We waved goodbyes and rode away filled with a little more juice from the goodness of human touch.

Today, don’t be afraid to initiate contact with those you don’t know. Share a smile, a kind word, and let it go. God made us all in His image. We are all sacred creatures. Connect. You won’t be disappointed when once in a while you get more than you deserve. Give and take care. Give more.

Live hard. Love harder.

Much harder…