Within the past week, I have had two such incidents -- one involving my sister and her children and the other, a stranger.
The first occurred last week/weekend while my sister was visiting me in Denver. And, while it wasn't so much an identifiable moment, it was instead a culmination of our time spent together. Specifically, it was the first instance where I remember really relating to my sister and her life, which is ironic because at this point, they have never been further from the same. As a nurse, living in our hometown and the single mom of three children, to say our lives are different would be a vast understatement. However, spending time with her and my nieces and nephew last week, I began to see the similarities between us and the bond we share, as sisters and as friends. It was nice. And it changed me.
The second occasion was a conversation I had yesterday with the creator of the I heart strangers project, Joshua Langlais. I met with Joshua as part of the interview process for the Colorado Jaycees Outstanding Young Coloradoan program, of which I am nominating him. Having followed I heart strangers intermittently for the past few months, I was both intrigued and fascinated by the concept, which involves Joshua approaching a stranger and gathering their story and photo and then posting both on the project's Web site. Although interesting in and of itself, the fact that Joshua has not missed a day since September 2008 really exemplifies the project's existence and the dedication of its creator. Beyond the project, I found Joshua delightful. It was refreshing to talk to someone with such a big heart and amazing outlook and understanding of life. At 27 years-old, Joshua possess more insight than most individuals I have encountered. Although our conversation was just an hour, Joshua inspired me. And it changed me.
So, to mimic I heart strangers, thank you Joshua, and Brianna, for being you.
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