An Unexpected Surprise

Have you ever had one of those moments in your life when you know you are exactly where you are meant to be? When you are ever mindful of the here and now, living through each step, eagerly anticipating the outcome? Wonderment! Choosing to "seize the day!" Carpe Diem! A marvellous surprise awaits for the beneficiary.

Tonight I was the beneficiary of one of those beautiful surprises. God allowed my path to intersect with this beautiful woman called "Soleil." How fitting a name as she WAS a ray of sunshine on this cold, dark, winter's night. Soleil illuminated my car as I drove her to her doctor's appointment. ( I am a volunteer driver for "Community Care." ) Do you see the radiance of her expression? The wisdom written across her face? Do you see every well-deserved, handsome wrinkle expressing the story of her life?

Soleil is Lebanese and speaks very little English. However she does speak Arabic and French. I had mentioned to her daughter, the contact person, that I could speak a little French and only one word of Arabic! There must have been some miscommunication down the line because Soleil thought I was fluent! Picture this with me for a moment. We are driving west towards Toronto on the "401," which is a 16-lane highway, during rush hour. I am trying to concentrate on my driving while at the same time concentrate on what Soleil is saying to me in French- or is it Arabic! I am barely understanding anything but just keep smiling. Soleil didn't seem to notice!

When Soleil and I arrived at the doctor's office, we ended up sitting beside a woman, Sully, who just happened to be Lebanese also. I was nestled tightly between the two S's - Soleil and Sully! Instantly they began to converse in Arabic. I was enthralled by their conversation, fully aware they were discussing the atrocities taking place in Gaza,Israel, the "Holy Land"-- so close to their homeland. I could see the pain on their tense faces. I could see the sadness in their bright eyes. I could feel their heartbreak pulsating with their every breath. I was alive in this moment. Even with the language barrier between us, I felt a part of this dialogue. It was beautiful. The outward smile, the inward tears. It caught me by surprise.

I love the Lebanese people. They remind me of Newfoundlanders- so friendly, welcoming and very hospitable. I had Lebanese neighbours in the apartment below mine when I lived in Edmonton. On many occasions, I would sit and chat with the father, who had had a stroke and who spoke zero English! He would invite me to sit with him and drink Lebanese coffee! It was VERY strong! He actually taught me the only Arabic word I know! It always amazed me that I was able to learn an Arabic word from a man who couldn't speak English. I LOVE how communication knows no bounds! We had a special connection. Those quiet, speech-less moments together taught me an abundance about the human spirit. We wept when I learned I would be moving back to Ontario. He was gift. I was the grateful beneficiary.

Sully bid us farewell. The drive home seemed to fly by. I felt like I had known Soleil all my life. When I pulled into her driveway, she invited me in for Lebanese coffee! I accepted the invitation for I knew I needed to be in this moment. In addition to the STRONG coffee, Soleil brought me a plate of fresh fruit to eat! She tried to entice me with more coffee but I told her I would not be able to sleep tonight! I had a lovely evening. I was fully alive and thus reaped the benefits of this precious encounter! God knew I needed that gift of friendship tonight! I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. Carpe Diem! You never know what unexpected surprise awaits!

(This story is in keeping with Carmi's theme of the week, "surprised." For more stories and photos, click here.)