#24 Easter

As a Jew, Easter Sunday doesn't necessarily mean a lot to me but I do understand that it's more than bunnies, eggs & chocolates. That said, when I awoke I began reading something that reminded me to be grateful & to be the change I'd like to see in the world (I'd like to be funnier but that's another story). After I dressed & made my bed, I went outside. I was immediately struck by what a beautiful day it was & I looked to the sky and smiled. I can't explain it but I felt an overwhelming sense of love. I decided to hit an AA mtg which is the equivalent of my church. Listening to someone share their experience, strength & hope on a Sunday (or any day) is never a bad idea. Through the basement walls you could hear a choir above. It was befitting. After the meeting, I did what I often do on beautiful days, I took a walk down to the east river. As you can see from the photos, I was (and am) filled with the spirit of spring, recovery and renewal. When I reached the promenade, I sat on bench & immersed myself in the sunlight--still feeling grateful & happy to be alive. Peaceful. After some time, I decided to head home. As I neared the bridge that crosses over the FDR at 78th St, a little girl came running & she passed me crying for her mother. I took notice & saw a couple in front of me & quickly asked if she was with them. She was not. I ran up to her and it was clear she was lost. I discovered her name & that she was 4 yrs old. There's a playground nearby so there was the immediate thought that somehow she got separated from her mother there. Through her tears, the little girl insisted her mother went home without her. Wailing as only a scared 4 yr old can wail, she was adamant her mother was gone! Myself & the couple decided to call the police. We stayed with her, each trying to console her until they arrived. Within minutes 2 officers appeared. Minutes after, a call came that a woman was looking for her daughter. As we suspected, she had somehow slipped out of the playground while her mother was distracted. The couple & I accompanied the officers as they reunited mother with child. This is a happy ending. It could've ended in a vastly different way. Sometimes you are in the right place, at the right time, to do the most good. Happy Easter.

Addendum: At the time of this writing, I had not learned of yet another act of terror. This time, at Lahore Park in Pakistan. So many lives lost. So many women, children and families affected. To consider that there is so much hatred and pain in the world that human beings could continue to harm innocents, staggers my mind. I am naive. I know. 

We have to do better. 😊