"Duty is the stuff of human existence." Rod McKuen, poet, composer and friend
Yesterday, I went to visit a tenant who is moving out... the alarm company told me that the system had not responded for a week... I had been trying to reach her by phone, but now the voice mailbox was full.. when I drove up, she was sitting outside on the porch... most everything she owns has been moved into a storage unit... personal things are at her new apartment where she will now live alone... the garage is still full of boxes that "someone" (she is not sure who) is supposed to pick up for her.. and she has some furniture that she is willing to give to whoever wants it... her electricity and water have been cut off since last week.. (hence the reason the alarm was off) ..... she is 83 years old...
I performed my duty as the "property manager" and walked through the house making sure that everything was still in working order and in good condition... We spoke about how much more time was needed to vacate the house and what she was leaving behind for us to deal with... she was very embarrassed about the reason why she had to move.... she was worried about the grass being so overgrown... I got her new number and told her I would call her again tomorrow to check on the progress.... I gave her a hug and I left........
And then.... I performed my duty as a human being.....
I went to Subway and picked up some lunch and went back to the house... she couldn't believe it... she just kept shaking her head saying, "no se porque hiciste esto?" (I don't know why you did this).... but she cleared the patio table of the small boxes she had there and set up the chairs... and we ate and we talked about life... and faith and hope and love... she is a beautiful soul... and brave and strong ... as I listened to the stories that made her such a strong and independent woman, I felt so small and insignificant..... it was quite humbling.... I really enjoy listening to the stories from "the old country"... people who really remember what it was like before they came to "El Exilio" (the Exile..as they refer to the U.S.) have such fascinating tales to tell and some can even transport you there with their memories...(and she could do this)... I could totally see myself in Varadero with her... (course, maybe because I have my father's memories engraved in my heart, too.. so I recognized the beach as she described it...) .... regardless, you would think she came here just a few years ago, when in actuality, she has lived here longer than she lived in Cuba..
Anyway, her husband passed away a little over a year ago and she says she is living a new exile.... her family members have taken advantage of her loving and giving nature and treat her as if she is incapacitated .. they have used her and taken her money and left her all alone... yet, she is unafraid... she says she has lived in God's grace and none of them can take that away from her.. she is a woman of conviction and good morals... she reminds me a lot of my mother.......she was so animated and full of energy as she was telling me about her great-grandson... I was having the best time with her..... somehow the conversation turned to the stars.. so, I took the opportunity to tell her about the "New Moon" phase that we are experiencing and she was excited by what it could mean for her... a new "emancipation" she said...... she sat in silence for a few minutes.. it was really hot... technically, we are done with the "dog days of summer", but in South Florida, I think they should adjust the dates and extend it well into September.... suddenly, she got up and went to the garage... she came back with a votive candle in her hand and placed it in the center of the table.. "Let's light this candle for our intentions", she said and continued, ..."because you must be an angel" ... I was already in tears when I saw the candle... now they are streaming down my face like a waterfall........ we prayed.
I learned so much from her in the 2 hours that we shared... I could go on and on about her philosophies and beliefs, but the constant theme of the afternoon was what I have always written about... faith, hope and love ... THAT is what we need to sustain us... everything else falls into place.. God sends us His angels when we need them... and to me, she was my Tuesday angel....
Bryce Courtenay said, "Each of us has been designed for one of two immortal functions, as either a storyteller or as a cross-legged listener to tales of wonder, love and daring. When we cease to tell or listen, then we no longer exist as a people."
Yesterday, I performed my duty.... as an employee and then, as a human being... I had lunch with a story-teller... and I listened .. WE were one people ...
May you always be able to perform your duties.. may you be the best storyteller.... may you be the best listener... and most of all, May you be blessed with all things filled with faith, hope and love......
With love,
Elena
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