Song and Glance

Day 47:
You’re not gonna believe what you’re about to read. I say this because most people do not experience an event like I witnessed this evening. Just like last time, I went to Joe’s without one of those reusable bags, but that is not today’s story.

Per my traditional routine, I told the checker that I would not need a bag for six items I had – paper nor plastic.

There was an older gentleman gathering his bags before me and he heard what I said. Then without hesitation, he said, “Oh, no bag? Well, if ever you find yourself in a pinch, just remember…”

And then perhaps the most unusual thing happened.

This perfect stranger began to belt out an operatic serenade in Italian. Translation – this man in his 70s began to sing, quite loudly, a song in a foreign language.

True to human nature anyone and everyone in ear shot gave the gentleman a strange facial expression. I on the other hand became both embarrassed and inspired.

I was embarrassed because there was part of me that was nervous that most watching would think this fella and I were together, which wouldn’t be too far fetched considering our proximity.
However, the more ideal version of me was in awe.

I know I have only been around for less than three decades. But still, I have never seen someone just open up in song in full volume. That man was brave – that man is a singer.

Today I learned that being who we are is far more important and valuable than who we’re afraid of being in public.

Today I learned that we are the only one of us there is, which means, it’s up to us to share it, just like that 70 year old did with me, and all the others in ear shot tonight at Trader Joe’s.

There is only one You in all the world – are you sharing it?