Rallentanda

Rallentanda

Thursday, January 23, 2014

A Hug From A Stranger

dverse

two week ago
in a country town car park
parked next to a disabled spot
out jumps a slim/thin striking woman
beautiful skin bright blue eyes

she comments on her car being
too close to mine
we chat about the sweltering heat
chit chat chit chat animatedly
she's nice...i like her

i make a smart arse remark
about her not appearing to be disabled
she looks me straight in the eye
with that unflinching gaze that 
only an aussie can pin you down with
and says
" I'm dying "



We kept on talking for a bit while I quizzed her on the why and wherefores and we got close in a matter of seconds. I was driving on  my way back to Sydney... could not stop for long... eight hour drive. She put her arms around me and thanked me for my kind and comforting words. What she didn't know was I should have thanked her ... that hug saved my life in another way. I don't even know her name.

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15 comments:

  1. Brian MillerJanuary 23, 2014 at 4:10 PM

    funny how when we let down our walls a bit and talk to others how much it can impact us and them....even an off remark that leads to a startling truth...a rather unexpected ending on this one ral...

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  2. Ron ShieldsJanuary 23, 2014 at 6:22 PM

    so many amazing experiences out there if you're willing to take a chance...even if it is a "smart arse remark".

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2014 at 8:08 PM

    wow. that'll stay with you forever ~

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2014 at 11:57 PM

    Oh! Heart-touching. The simple remark and the glaring truth... how strange our lives can be sometimes. I am glad that she was comforted by your kind words... and you too by her hug. Beautifully sad... but isn't that the case every time!?
    -HA

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  5. Marina SofiaJanuary 24, 2014 at 12:12 AM

    Amazing story, deeply touching. It must have been a shock for you, but am glad you brought each other comfort.

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    Replies
    1. rallentandaJanuary 24, 2014 at 1:41 AM

      Yes I was particularly shocked because she looked so well and alive...she was 83 and looked at least 20 years younger so I was completely floored.!

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  6. J Cosmo NewberyJanuary 24, 2014 at 1:08 AM

    Ouch!

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2014 at 2:33 AM

    This fleeting moment reveals the magnitude of a life soon to disappear.

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  8. rallentandaJanuary 24, 2014 at 2:49 AM

    A good reason for cherishing every day !

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  9. marbles in my pocketJanuary 24, 2014 at 7:31 AM

    Wow! Great story! Nicely done!

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  10. brudbergJanuary 24, 2014 at 11:48 AM

    Wonderful to know that we should let down our fences and dare to let our angst out...

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  11. stephJanuary 24, 2014 at 2:00 PM

    Wow, what a story. And beautifully told. It can be only a few moments shared with another that charges our awareness of life, what we have or don't have and are able to offer. I'm glad you told us this story.

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  12. rallentandaJanuary 24, 2014 at 5:24 PM

    Thanks Steph, I always intended to tell it .

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  13. The Way of DodoJanuary 24, 2014 at 5:48 PM

    Powerful.

    Curious how such 'random' encounters change us - but only if the timing is 'right' and we 'allow' them to.

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  14. ayalaJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:37 AM

    What a great story. I have met people that transformed my day this way. You meet them briefly but they stay with you. Lovely.

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