Day 1164

Sweet Lilly doesn’t always feel wonderful, but she still does “wonderful things.” Yesterday, she seemed to choose a short walk to our corner and was turning for home when something changed her mind. She turned on a dime and headed across the street with her mama slightly confused and in hot pursuit. There, on the opposite corner, was an older woman on a bicycle. As Lilly approached on the run (something that rarely happens these days), the woman slowly got off of her bike and opened her arms to our girl. She repeatedly said, “How did she know…how did she know?” Finally, looking up at me with tears in her eyes, she told me her husband had died four days ago and this was her first attempt at leaving the house. Lilly snuggled for awhile as the woman shared her grief and I listened. As we parted, she thanked us over and over, saying that it was just what she needed. Lilly…my empath.

When we open our hearts, “Lilly style,” it is amazing to discover people out there who need to be enfolded in compassion. Whether it is a hug, a few words or another gesture that honors the other person, it should be what we humans do. Perhaps it is akin to finding the elusive agate on the shores of Lake Superior, but if you look hard enough, you will see someone who is in need of a little love.

Lilly has shown me her gift over and over. This Golden Girl has opened my eyes a bit wider to recognize someone who needs more than a simple greeting. Look for those “agates”…when you find one and hold it tight, the world seems to smile a little bit more.

As for Miss Lilly, she lets her heart lead the way and never questions her intuition. She is an amazing teacher.