Learning Patience

They come into the library weekly to peruse the internet and search the shelves for new finds. Today they approached me silently. The girl greeted me and reached into her mother’s handbag, fumbling through it, then pulling out a wallet. She looked up at her mother to get an indication of which pocket the library card was in. They communicated silently. Through looks and minute gestures that are unreadable to anyone but them. But they communicate just as quickly as any two people would when speaking aloud. I too am speechless, but smiling, just watching the small scene unfold. The daughter can’t be more than ten years old but there is already so much patience and understanding in her eyes. Her mother can not speak, only soft inaudible murmurs, her body has experienced some sort of illness, probably a stroke. She relies on her daughter to understand her. To speak for her. To fold a piece of paper for her. And her daughter does all these things not just willingly nor begrudgingly. She is happy to do it, but not overly happy. She is not taking pride nor being boastful in her tasks. She looks at her mother with respect. They communicate, again silently. The mother smiles. The daughter laughs. And the only person the joke is lost on is me. And it was so beautiful.

I am thankful for what I have. Not only for my health but for my family and friends. And I want to remember to help them. Not just willingly. Not begrudgingly. Without taking pride. Without being boastful. But with a sense of understanding and patience.

A few of the people I am thankful for…Dad, Mom, me, and Fred on a trip to the Wichita Mountains :)