BLESSED

BLESSED

The addictive aroma of fresh brewed coffee was in the air at the old cafe’. I found a comfortable, overstuffed, brown leather chair, right next to the front window. It was summer time in West Virginia. The colorful flowers were all in bloom, making joy for all of the passers by. While drinking a cup of pure black coffee, I sat there pondering what to do about my life, as I stared out the window. Just then, a simply beautiful woman was entering the cafe’. She had lovely auburn hair with bright emerald green eyes. She smiled a genuine smile that warmed my heart. “Katie! Are you still teaching art classes next door at The Center?” asked the barista. “Yes, I am still teaching classes there.” said Katie. After Katie and the barista had a short conversation, while waiting on her white chocolate raspberry latte, she turned and noticed me. “Hi, my name is Noah.” Katie was drawn to me as I asked about her art classes. It was her day off of work. We sat and talked for 6 hours! It’s like we had known each another for years! Katie ended up inviting me to attend her art classes. We developed a strong bond of friendship over the next few months. We laughed, cried, and loved one another, in a few short months together. We were inseparable!

I possessed a little black notebook that I used as a journal to record my inner feelings and thoughts. This brought me peace and understanding of myself. But, I was hiding a dark secret from Katie and needed to share it with her. I was very nervous, hoping she wouldn’t think less of me. I was homeless and living in the woods, in a tree house I had built for myself. It was a decision out of pure necessity. I was driven by my instincts. I showered at the local gym everyday, so no one would know that I was homeless. I washed my clothes at the laundromat in town. I had no car, just a bicycle. I was on disability benefits from the state due to my seizures. But, it was not enough to pay for rent, because the rent was so high. So, I keep my living space private, that way no one can ruin it for me.

It was time to tell Katie the truth. We met at a park near my abode, which Katie was unaware of. We sat on a blanket and enjoyed each other, the playful squirrels, bunnies, birds, and dog walkers passing by. “Katie? I have something to tell you about myself” I said. Nervously, I told her the whole situation I was facing alone. “I am totally surprised, but I am empathetic and compassionate, too” said Katie. “It will be alright, Noah. I wish I had known sooner” said Katie. I asked, “Why?” Katie’s face brightened up. “I have an idea, Noah” said Katie. “Meet me here tomorrow at the same time, same place” said Katie. And, she left.

The next day, I met Katie and I showed her my tree house. Katie was very understanding and swore she would not tell anyone. At my tree house, Katie sat quiet for a moment, then handed me a hand-carved wooden box. The joy in her eyes complimented her whole face. She was dearly excited to give me a gift. I opened the box slowly, to reveal a cashier’s check for twenty thousand dollars! Katie insisted I use the gift with a purpose. Genuine love is spread from one heart to another via love energy and grace. Thank you, Universe.

~Written by: Lynn M. Waite