Well Met

I met a woman on the tram today. It was one of those situations where I had carefully chosen the seat that I knew was least likely to attract a fellow passenger. She tottered right up and asked if she could sit. Of course, I said. (Imagine this in Swiss/High German)

Immediately I knew, she was a talker. The majority of the people I encounter in my daily life here could care less if the person next to them was engulfed in flames, but every once in a while, you meet these people who really respond to that American openness. They want to talk.

A good three quarters of them are mildly to majorly crazy.

I quickly summed up this lady, judging weather I needed to make a break for it at the next stop. 30 minutes later I was glad I hung in there.

This woman is 83 years old. She has lived in the Zurich area all her life, swimming there in the lake (one of her favorite pastimes), hiking in the mountains, and living her life. As we passed Burkliplatz,

From Christmas in Switzerland

she couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the snow covered mountains and the sun-drenched water. She has seen it almost every day of her life here, but was viewing it with open eyes, seeing the beauty as fresh and new.

She shared with me not only stories from her life, but the power and fire that has fueled her journey. She is in the moment and so alive. Blind in one eye, and no longer able to do all the things she once loved, but without regret and without despair. Her family has passed away, and most of her friends are gone or ill, but she still loves to walk in the mountains, and is strong and grateful for her health. None of this was posturing from her side. Just genuine love for life...the joy of a life well lived.

When we got to my stop (at my garden) I bid her farewell. She took my hand in hers and wished me a wonderful life, and much joy. It is the greatest blessing possibly I have ever received.

I walked away feeling very young, and very hopeful for the years ahead.