I rarely share anything personal on FB because, really my life is not that interesting. Last evening, however, I had such splendid moment, I thought it was worthy of the telling. My day began by joining a lovely couple in marriage. I believe in marriage, and always feel so honored to be part of such an important event. After this, we were invited to a performance of Macbeth at the Lincoln Center Theater. We go to the city quite often. This was a very special invitation, indeed, since I have loved all things Shakespeare, (particularly the tragedies) since I was about 13. We were graced with 6 row aisle, center orchestra seats, which I call being in the zone. You are perfectly at eye level with the actors. The production was everything I knew it would be and more. As if that was not wonderful enough, we were treated to dinner alfresco at a lovely restaurant post production. It was one of those perfect New York days, when you can feel the air change in the city, and a crisp breeze taps you on the shoulder and lets you know winter is not far off. We sat there eating and commiserating, and just taking in the milieu. The conversation eventually turned to the NY Rangers, as our young actor friend, (costarring with Ethan Hawke in Macbeth, and whom possesses such great talent that you are immediately aware it is one of those rare God given talents reserved for a special few), had recently been to a game. My husband remarked how there is a certain smell in a hockey arena and it always takes him back to those wonder years of being a teenager. I added an incidental remark that I used to attend Ranger Games in the 70s when I lived in NY. This was before all the regulations and the games were quite violent and often times bloody, so I had to stop going. My girlfriend thought this was very comical since I am a registered nurse and have spent many years working in an E.D. and ICU. We joked that I could only handle bloody sights at work. Once again, the conversation turned, as we enjoyed the last of our meal, and the last vestiges of daylight withdrew as the day turned into night. This is the when the most remarkable thing occurred. Our young actor friend, whom is all of 28, said he lived very near a metropolitan hospital and he often thought about the life of a nurse and how difficult it must be to leave what they see behind, as he watches them emerge from the hospital, into their daily lives, and buy a bagel and coffee like everyone else. I was stunned. Very much later that night, on the way home, I thought about the sensitivity and caring of this young mans comments. It was so meaningful to me, especially in a time when my profession, that I love so much, is no longer held in very high regard. I am quite sure this delightful young man is completely unaware of what an impact his comments had on me. We are all looking to perform acts of kindness. I think sometimes, we expect the opportunity will come in some large and grandiose way. But, it is the small, almost imperceptible words and deeds we do, that define us the most. These are the most important acts we will ever do. They come in the tiniest of gestures, and the whispers of a word. These are the ones that will linger with us a lifetime. When I think of that perfect NY night, the wonderful company, the wonderful play, the excitement of meeting the actors backstage, the wonderful meal, the (obligatory) trip to the Magnolia Bakery, what I will remember the most often, and by far, are those few small words spoken with such thought and sensitivity by such a truly remarkable young man. As you read this, I am hoping that you may have a moment like that in your life. I am hoping that I may be the one to give it to you.
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 17:11:41 +0000
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