My Lucky Day

When I walked into the care home this afternoon, I saw things from a different perspective. The faces were different because this was now the evening shift. Jean was being encouraged to move toward the dining room, but her tummy wasn't hungry just at the minute. Then she saw me.

"Oh, I knew you would come back!" she exclaimed. "I don't know who you are but I told them they can't do anything until you get back!" Her face lit up like a Christmas tree, even though we are barely into the month of June.

"What's for dinner?" I asked. But tonight's dinner was being kept a secret, and the secret added a sparkle to their eyes.

As they moved along, I saw someone in the crowd I did not know but who looked familiar. He was staring my way. A dinner lady said his name (it was Chris) and asked if he wanted a "Jacket Potato" and "beans", thus revealing the secret. Chris wanted both.

"Is your name Chris?" I asked.

"Yes," he said quietly.

"So is mine." But just then someone climbed on top of the tea trolly, distracting everyone else from their jacket potato. When things calmed down, I noticed Chris was watching me again from his place at the table. He said, "You are so kind to everyone around you."

This surprised me because he had been quiet up til then. He continued. "You are a star, and always have been one. When you talk, it makes everyone happy." He took a bite of his potato.

A star?! This couldn't be, because a star wouldn't have their hair sticking out all over, and frizzed. A star's makeup would not have been obliterated by the rain! When he smiled again, I realized who he reminded me of - someone I had gone through school with. I remembered his gift of giving compliments in a timely manner.

It became time for me to go back to St Ives in the rain. As I turned at the door to say goodbye to Jean, I saw that Chris' arm was elevated in my direction, and although he said no words, his face said it al.

I calculated that Chris is just about my own age. I will not know if he can ever mend, and I certainly pray so. There is something untouchable in there. A Star quality, the kind he wanted to bestow toward me. I've never been complimented better.

See you along the way!

the SconeLady