Sunday mass was in session. Heavenly music and song filled the air. My Catholic background beckoning me to attend or at least look in. I made the sign of the cross and moved on.
Every evening she is in the jardin, the town square. She always has a beautiful smile for everyone. I have passed her many times feeling uncomfortable and somewhat guilty and yet her sweet and joyful eyes have always looked up at me, asking for nothing. The face of an angel, beaming with contentment, and happiness, and that ever present smile.
She sells jewelry and candy from a blanket. Last night I had the courage to stop and talk to her. I had to bend down to the ground where she lies on her stomach, twisted and paralyzed, her head held high, unnaturally. I asked her what she was selling and she said earrings and sweets, still smiling.
I reached into my pocket for my glasses so I could see the earrings. I couldn’t remember the word for glasses in Spanish. I asked her and she said “Lentes senor”. I replied in broken Spanish something to the effect that yes, we geezers need these to see up close. We shared a chuckle for a brief wonderful moment.
I bought some wooden earrings from her. They were 30 pesos. I had 50 and she nodded toward a small purse that she had laying on the blanket beside her head. I put in the 50 pesos and told her I did not need any change. She gave me that 1000 volt smile as she thanked me.
I walked away feeling so much better about not passing her by once again. Later I saw her with this tool that she puts in her mouth. Painstakingly and slowly she opens her purse so that you can make your own change.
I realized that I didn’t have to go into a church to find angels. There are many types and categories of celestial beings all around us, everywhere. If we want to see them, all we have to do is look.
More than anything, that evening I learned that when you are blessed by an angel so beautiful, her smile settles in your heart, forever.
The diversity of Mexico and the people’s heart, spirit and soul has attracted Michael Osias to visit Mexico extensively over the past 40+ years. ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’
