When life gets challenging, I have a bad habit of hemorrhaging pent up emotion in public places. I have shed many a tear in restaurants and bars with poor Ragav. Two weeks ago I met our friend Toni at Tryst in Arlington as a result of a major melt down. Last night I may have clinched Tryst as my new PDE (public display of emotion) spot.
Despite my emotions, the barmaid's bracelet and necklace caught my eye. She explained the bracelet included patron saints and the necklace included several blessing angels with inspirational words. She further shared she is a spiritual person and she is wearing them to assist with her son who is suffering with developmental issues.
We contemplated dessert. The special dessert was a carrot cake for which the proceeds go to breast cancer. Ah, the irony. My Mom loves carrot cake and I spent the morning at Dana Farber with her learning about her impending chemotherapy for her recently diagnosed breast cancer.
I ordered the cake to go and explained the motivation. She walked away and a rush of tears came over me, not just for my Mom, but for the angst I have fought far too long. Shortly thereafter, our barmaid, delivered the cake and presented me with one of the charms from her necklace, "I wish you and you mother the best". I was truly astounded and overwhelmed by her kindness. I called her back moments later and thanked her through my sobs, touched by her generosity and emotionally exhausted.
I am incredibly grateful for the many giving people I have in my life, especially now. But this is one of those rare, unforgettable life experiences where you connect momentarily with a stranger. Thank you to our barmaid for being the caring person I always strive to be and reminding me of the incredible value of simple gestures.