I just got back from a trip to Toronto to visit a friend. It was an interesting time – I met someone in person I have known for 23 years online. We’ve had Zooms and such, but it was good to meet her in person – even though she didn’t seem to be a stranger.
A couple of other encounters happened, though, that I thought I would share. There were actually many, but these two are my favorite.
One is my meeting of this lovely lady in the picture. I was exploring an area called Graffiti Alley in Toronto. I love public art of all kinds, but am especially drawn to murals and graffiti. This area of town, in other words, was pure joy for me.
Actually there are several alleys in this area, so blocks and blocks of graffiti to see. When I was walking down the street, I saw this woman sitting in a doorway. She was looking in the other direction when I saw her and smoking a cigarette, and it would have been a perfect shot. I didn’t let myself take it, though, and when I got closer to examine those murals she was in the middle of, we struck up a conversation.
She told me a few things I had wondered about, such as the graffiti changes often. The one on her right was a back-to-school motif and had just recently been done.
After a while she said she worked nearby, her break was over, and she needed to get back to work, so we said our goodbyes.
I spent about another hour exploring and visiting a small memorial park I had seen and was curious about. I found out who it was named after and a bit about him, and about the time I decided to sit for a few moments and enjoy it, it began to rain. I made my way to the main street I had traveled in from and found the bus stop I needed to get a bus to the subway station.
The bus stop had a flashing sign that said the next bus was in seven minutes. When waiting I saw a cute shop called “Mama Loves You Vintage”. The window drew me in and since I had a few minutes I decided to take a quick look inside. When I did, who did I see but my new friend? Of all the places to walk into, it was where she worked.
I loved the shop and as my “friend” helped another customer, I found myself giving advice to a young woman shopping there. She was holding a dress that would have been amazing on her. Yes, I’m that person who gives unsolicited advice – I said she needed to try it on. The three of us were having a great conversation (them telling me I needed to go to Kensington Market – it’s on my list for next time) when I saw my bus come up and took off running. Still, one of those times you believe in providence.
I could share quite a few other great people encounters from this trip, but I’ll just share one more. I got on a crowded subway without any open seats. A young woman saw me, stood up, and insisted I take hers. That sort of gesture always feels like such a gift. Truthfully I was tired and I have poor balance, so I was especially grateful. I said a quick prayer that she would be blessed for her kindness.
Tight after, I noticed a woman in a seat in front of me – but sideways, so I had a full view of her. I noticed her rolling her rosary through her fingers. I’m not Catholic, but have always found saying a rosary to be a beautiful act of worship. It touched me. Tears started rolling down my face. You know, the kind you try to hide from others. I thought I was successful and maybe I was. This woman and I didn’t speak a word or share more than a quick smile when I sat down.
Both of the women got off at the same stop (funnily enough, it should have been mine, too – I wasn’t paying attention) and as I watched the older woman step on the escalator before the subway took off, she turned in my direction as though she knew I was watching, caught my eye, and gave me a brilliant smile. What a special moment. It’s a beautiful mystery how we all are connected.
Have a great week and notice the open souls that surround you.
In the Box, Out of the Box 