A park near where I live is incredibly beautiful, simple yet thriving with positive energy. I often find inspiration from the other side when I am there. I find myself thinking about my mother, who loved painting, because the setting is picturesque, to say the least. It is a place where I can mourn, reflect and heal in silence.
I walk through this park on my way home after dropping my daughter off at school, and whenever I can, I sit on a bench and take in Mother Nature’s beauty. Sometimes, strangers share the bench with me, and I make a point of greeting them, opening the door to conversation. Over the years, I have discovered that people generally welcome the opportunity to talk. Perhaps they sense they can trust me, because they often open up and share parts of their lives, particularly the things that bring them sadness.
It happens quite naturally, without me ever mentioning what I do. I let them speak and share whatever is on their minds. This is their space and their time, a moment when they can feel heard and perhaps begin to heal. I have never asked for anything in return, and I never will. My only motivation is the desire to see hope, happiness and faith restored in their lives.
My years of service have taught me to value and appreciate everyone around me. We all carry invisible crosses, and for some, the weight can become almost impossible to bear. In such moments, I wait until they have left before saying a silent prayer for them, hoping that the blessed angels will find their way into their hearts and bring them healing.
I do not know what the future holds for these beautiful, sensitive souls, but I hope that, following our brief encounter, they might find a little peace.
