Hey there!
So today I decided to go to the park with my little baby girl which is obviously nothing spectacular and worthy mentioning in my blog. I do agree with you here, but on my way to the park I've met a strange, odd, but really lovely older lady which didn't stop talking to me for twenty minutes. (Scarlett was clearly annoyed that this woman kept her from going to the park, but being a polite and shy little girl as she is, she kept quiet.)
Anyways why would I mention a conversation in my blog?
Well, let me tell you what happened. (It's better than not updating my blog at all I guess!)
Let's start from the beginning, shall we? (This is going to be in a third person's perspective because well I thought why not writing this conversation like a little story, huh?)
The moment Anica and S. went around the corner of Cortlandt St, a friendly appearing lady who was dressed in a blue summer dress, cowboy-boots and a cowboy-hat caught their eyes and she gave them a weak, but still lovely smile. The sun burning onto their skins, making it unbearable to walk through the heated air of Houston.
"Hello", the woman greeted the two girls and Anica smiled softly, greeting her back. This was one of the thing she really loved about the Americans. Wherever you go or whoever crossed your way, people greeted each other. Even if it was only a hello or a good morning, it was a nice gesture.
"The weather yesterday was horrible, wasn't it?", the older lady asked and Anica nodded while she kept walking. Not because she was being rude, but because she wanted to go to the park as quickly as possible before they needed to head back home. She had a tight schedule this morning.
"The government should've warned the people because of the flooding. The whole street was under water and the people drove their cars, not knowing what to expect", the woman said while crossing the street, making her way over to Anica and S. who was sitting in the stroller, staring at the woman with squinty eyes. A thing she did when a stranger approached them. Anica stopped immediately, knowing that she should exchange some words with the lady who obviously tried to start having a small talk with her.
"Yeah it was horrible", Anica shrugged and the woman gave her a small smile.
"I mean what if something had happened? Who would've been responsible for the accidents? If you ask me, the government would've been, but no one would ever dare to blame the state", the woman said, annoyance in her voice and disappointment flickered through her blue eyes.
"That's life isn't it?" Anica said, her voice calm and the lady gave her a bright smile.
"Yeah I guess. What's your name?"
"Anica."
"Anica? That's a lovely name. I've never heard it before", the woman said while approaching the two girls until she stopped in front of Anica, looking at her with the same smile on her face.
"Well. I'm from Germany. Maybe that's why", Anica shrugged again and then astonishment traveled through the lady's eyes.
"My great, great grandfather was in love with Germany", she said and Anica gave her a soft smile.
Why was she still talking to me? Couldn't she see that I was on my way somewhere? I mean I don't want to be rude or something, but S. is getting restless. (Anica's thoughts!)
"My name is Heather", she introduced herself and Anica told her that it was nice meeting her.
"What's her name?", Heather asked, gesturing to S. who was still giving the lady her squinty eyes before turning her head to the other side, staring at the flowers.
"Scarlett", Anica's answer was short and the lady dramatically put a hand over her heart which caused Anica to roll her eyes before giving the lady another smile.
"Anica and Scarlett. Those are two very beautiful names", she said and Anica thanked her for the nice words, making another step forward to gesture that she really needed to go.
"Do you know those people who feel young, but are trapped into old people's bodies?", the woman asked while walking beside Anica, falling into her steps as they walked along 14th street. At least a progress in heading to the park's direction.
Why is she asking me this? Damn, this conversation just turned into something really weird.
"Yes", Anica breathed while waiting for the traffic light to turn green so she could cross the street. The woman still standing next to her, never keeping her eyes off of Anica.
"That's what I feel like. I feel like I am in the twenties, but I just turned 58 a few weeks ago", Heather told her and Anica gave her another smile before the lady started talking about the second world war.
Please, don't tell me that she is going to ask me something about Hitler. Damn, I forgot everything that I've learned in school. Dang, I feel old. Two years ago I finished school and now a foreign lady is talking about the second world war. You better pretend you know what she is talking about.
Anica was deep into her thoughts, nodding whenever the lady said something that sounded like a question which earned Anica a few smiles from the lady. S., on the other hand, had enough fun keeping herself entertained while watching the cars passing them.
"You know many people here aren't really keen on talking to me", the woman said and Anica gave her an innocent smile. You don't say so.
"Why's that?"
"Because I like living my life. People in my age are usually quiet and let days passing by, but I like getting drunk and being loud", she explained while Anica nodded.
"Well then they are stupid to not talking to you. I mean why don't they live a little. Having fun in life is better than just hiding away in houses", the words were out of Anica's mouth before she realized what she'd said and Heather gave her a warm smile.
"You are a really nice person Anica", Heather said and Anica thanked her for her nice words again.
"Well there was a time in life where I hid in my house because I though and I was afraid that I might die because of cancer, but here I am having a nice conversation with a nice German girl", she joked and Anica returned her smile. What am I supposed to say?
The second traffic lights finally turned green as the three of them quickly crossed the street, passing the parking lot in front of a little corner store.
"You know it is hard being old and alone", she said and a the woman started tearing up.
Oh jesus christ, what am I supposed to do? I don't know her! How do people comfort strangers? Do I hug her? No I can't do that. Do I pat her awkwardly on the back? Damn. I am not good with feelings!
"My mother died shortly before my 58th birthday. She went through so much pain because of me and now she is gone", Heather said while tears rolled down her cheek and Anica stared at her awkwardly. Not knowing what to do. How to react. S. still had fun watching the cars passing by while Anica slowly laid a hand on the woman's shoulder, telling her that she was sorry for her loss.
"I am so sorry", Anica repeated herself and Heather smiled lightly.
"That's life isn't it?", Heather remembered Anica's words and Anica nodded quietly.
"Sad, but true", Anica replied and Heather smiled before stepping out of Anica's personal space, nodding softly while striking her tears away.
"You are a really good soul Anica."
"Thank you."
Heather suddenly started talking about the time she dated a guy from a colored-skinned culture, revealing more details than necessary and Anica sighted relieved when S. finally started to mumbled words. Complaining why it took so long to get to the park. Heather noticed that little S. was getting restless, taking a few steps backwards, approaching the corner store before she turned around once more.
"It was really nice talking to you Anica. Thank you for listening to me. That means a lot to me", the lady said her farewell with a wide smile on her face.
"It was nice meeting you. Have a good one", Anica spoke before she gave one last smile into Heather's direction until she finally made her way to the park.
The End.
Well, that's it. I still don't know what to think about this whole conversation with Heather. I mean yes she was really nice and lovely and I liked that I made her day by just listening to her, but it was so awkward that she cried in front of me and told me personal stuff. She basically revealed her whole life-story even though I was a complete stranger to her. Americans.
That's it. I just wanted to let you know that sometimes you don't need to do a lot to make a person happy. Listening to people, giving advices or just offering help is what could make a person's day. I just witnessed it myself and even though she told me that I made her day, she caused a smile that still haven't disappeared from my face because it feels good to make people smile and be happy even if they're strangers.
It's not like I would've told her anything about me because she was indeed a stranger and I don't easily trust strangers or open up to people, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't talk to her again.
If there is no one you can talk to, then maybe you should start searching for me because I would listening to everyone if they need someone to listen to their story.
So whoever reads this blog. Maybe you get my message that it doesn't take much to make people happy. Spread happiness because who will be there for you if you need someone to talk to when you deny to listen?
Lot's of love.
xx Anica (the listener)
