Time has gotten away from me. I’ve been working on other projects lately and haven’t been in touch on the blog for a while. However, there is something on my heart that I have been wanting to share for a while. A completely random encounter that instantly filled me with warmth and joy and I just don’t want to keep it to myself!
A few weeks ago, after driving two long hours home on the snowy and icy roads, I debated whether or not to swing by the grocery store. Eager to get home and overcome with exhaustion, I decided that we probably needed some milk and eggs since the family devours them as quick as I buy them. I thought I might save myself an extra trip if I stopped right away, so I pulled in the parking lot. Quickly, I went in, grabbed my few items and walked out the door eager to get home.
After I finished unloading the groceries into the car, a woman approached me.
“I just want you to know that your daughter is so beautiful. She looks just like you,” she said as her voice began to fade.
Catching me off guard, I wasn’t sure what to say. It took me a moment to come to the realization that she was talking about Lydia, MY girl. My daughter! It was sudden, sweet music to my ears. It had been way too long since someone had mentioned Lydia to me.
Overcome with emotion, I replied “Oh, thank you so much. Thank you.” We hugged over the empty grocery cart as tears slid down both our faces.
“You made my day,” I told her in the dark, thanking her again. I felt like I couldn’t thank her enough.
I returned to my car alone, surrounded by the darkness of the night. Taking a deep breath, wiping my cheeks as the tears continued, I thanked God for sincere and kind people like the woman who I had just encountered.
She was real. Her words were powerful. She felt it. She follows my journey and has a heart bursting with compassion. More importantly, she had the courage to approach me and speak of my daughter in heaven. How admirable.
What a gift I had just been given. 
You guys, it’s moments like these that mean everything.
Since then, I’ve been really trying to be aware of my surroundings. To not be so focused on myself, my job, my schedule, but to be aware of others who could use a gentle hug, a kind word, or a loving hand. You never know just how much your thoughtfulness can impact someone’s life.
Daphne Bach Greer 
What a gift from the woman in the parking lot. I am sure she debated whether or not to approach you. I am glad she was brave.
Thanks Lisa! I am so glad she was brave too! I wish I could be like that all the time. Amazing gift!
As I began reading your beautiful post, I was thinking how fresh your loss is but then I saw the first quote and I completely broke down. I lost my Jeffrey 33 years ago, but a single moment can rip the wound open again like it was yesterday. When someone speaks your child’s name or shares a memory, it fills our hearts. Thank you for your words. God bless.
Oh, so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Jeffrey. You are so right. No matter how much time has passed, in one moment, those wounds can be torn open bringing us back to the deep pain of our loss. The pain is bittersweet. Just hearing her name and that someone remembered, made it so worthwhile. Much love to you along this journey. Thank you so much for sharing.