Dot-Dakshana

I was handed my beautiful pink rose today and didn't think much about who I would give it to before I headed into class. I watched a few students give the rose to one of their teachers and it made me think more about who I wanted to give it to. I wanted to truly give it without expectation in the spirit of its meaning, so I mentioned to beth I may give it to this woman at my deli who always seems all wound up and could use some brightness in her day. As I was passing Tracy on the way out of the joint I said I am going to give my rose to a complete stranger, it just kind of came out and I thought what a great idea. I left the rose in the car and when I went out at lunch I thought I better find someone before it no longer looks like a gift. As I was running errands I was in the Stop and Shop parking lot in Westport and there she was, this beautiful old woman working her way slowly to her car, with whispy white hair and gnarled knuckles gently holding the carriage, she had such a grace about her, but I could sense a tinge of sad. I knew in my heart of hearts she was the one. Now I got to my car and resisted at first, feeling a little funny about what I might say, but then remembered the promiseland offers me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone. So as I approached her putting groceries in the car, I walked to her side and caught hold of the biggest most beautiful forest green eyes, I felt like she held me for a moment with her gaze quizzical but very trusting as I introduced myself and handed her the flower and said I just thought this might brighten your day a bit. She flashed her gorgeous eyes in a gesture of deep appreciation and perhaps a little shy, in that moment my heart just melted, I could see her as a little girl and knew I had touched her as deeply as this moment touched me. I asked her name and took her hand in mine and she said Dot. I almost laughed on the spot, not only was it the most perfect moment in my day, what a perfect name "Dot-Dakshana".