365 Days Of Love. Day 99

I've been in Mitchell for two days and I've seen two past teachers.

Yesterday, I was walking out of the grocery store, beer and vegetables in tow, and I crossed paths with my biology teacher from high school. Recognizing each other, we shared hellos, and then she inquired about my life. We only talked for a few minutes, but she seemed interested in what I'd been up to and offered ideas for what I might do next. It was refreshing, it's been six years since I took her AP biology class, and she still afforded investment in my life. 

This morning, steps into my run, I saw my Spanish teacher from high school loading a high chair into her car. I slowed my step and attempted to get the attention of Senora Morgan. She was pretty engrossed in high chair loading so I was nearly in arm's reach when she noticed me. Again, it was as if six years hadn't passed since I saw her last. We talked about teaching and the joy of the last day of school (as a teacher, which is SO much greater than it EVER was as a student). I explained my "next steps" in life and she nodded in full support. I helped her lift the high chair onto the roof her Jeep and then continued my trot down the familiar street. 

For the rest of my run, I considered how genuinely invested in me each of theses women chose to be. When they saw me, they didn't have to stop and inquire about my life circa the past 6 years, they could have offered a "how are you?" in passing, which would have sufficed. They didn't, though. I truly value the amount of genuine relationships I have in my life. Whether they've been rooted in teachers or friends or family, I have so many people who genuinely care about me. Per these relationships, I feel as if I have a slew of people rooting for me and that encourages me to never settle, never allow self-doubt to be at an audible volume. 

Again, I'm reminded of the first day of my blog where I said "I believe the Universe has afforded me the most perfect people and the most wonderful experiences." I'm humbled by the kindness of the Universe, grateful for the beauty of its people, better because of its love.