unashamedly taking up the whole “couch” at the car repair place playing a word game on my phone, feet propped up on the coffee table (that’s what they’re for right?) intermittently looking up at the news. With each story, there came a comment and a few chuckles from the couple sitting across on chairs.
I had noticed them right away as they walked in to the waiting area. She, in a cute pony tail and cap hanging on to the arm of, who at first glance, thought was her father then quickly realized was her husband as I noted how they interacted. I had also taken note that there was something about her face, and then I saw the white cane and realized she was blind as well.
(And really? I still didn’t move off or over on the couch. ) Anyway, I thought them cute and quite a pair as he also struggled as he walked with a pronounced limp and a cane for support. (Later I found out he was a retired firefighter, hence the limp)
After a few stories, I had joined them in chuckling as I heard their remarks and then they introduced themselves and after the usual exchanges, the husband went on to share the story of his blind wife and how she struggled through to survive a horrific accident years prior.
It was earlier in the week that I was already amazed at a news story of several people who had been given whole face transplants. I stared at the before and after pictures in aww at how a human being can still survive without much of their face.
Anyway, that’s what I was thinking as I was looking at this woman’s face. I was also thinking that whoever her surgeon was had done a great job as I had first thought she was a teenager with how she carried herself and how pretty she remained.
But, the most amazing trait this couple exuded was joy, strength and a sense of humor about life. They smiled as they spoke and joked with each other.
They shared most of their story with me before their names were called that their car was ready. I called after them, “You should write a book!” to which he replied, “She did…It’s called Obstacles, Bring ‘Em
After hearing her story and how a law was passed for drivers to secure their load after her accident, I began thinking about why I may have come across this amazing woman.
I had been feeling down and depressed this week. The obstacles of life were beating me down. It wasn’t anything huge or traumatic as this woman had suffered, but, I was down because my attitude had become negative. I felt stuck in my mood.
I know now it was no coincidence that I ran into this couple the day I needed a boost out of my dark cloud. It worked. It’s still raining outside, but I am smiling for now as I think about this woman. I also bought her book and am beginning to read it.
Thank you God, you have your ways. I got the message.
~Peace friends
I Write 