We were at a bar with a large group of friends, celebrating 3 of our birthdays. A young woman, at least 6 inches taller than I am, young enough to be my granddaughter and a little bit inebriated, bumped into me and said menacingly, I could beat you for that.
Me: Would you like some cake?
She: Did you hear what I said?
Me: Yes. We have lots of cake, would you like some?
She, very quietly: I wouldn’t really hit you. What are you celebrating?
Me: I know that you wouldn’t hurt me. My husband’s 65th birthday.
She: How long have you been together?
Me: Today is the 25th anniversary of the day that I fell in love with him.
She: Are you still in love?
Me: Yes, madly crazy in love.
She: (very quietly) I want that. I want to be in love for 25 years.
Bobby suddenly appeared and very lovingly hugged and kissed me and then ran off. She stood next to us quietly watching, then turned and walked away.
Me: A blank stare and tears in my eyes. I was dumbfounded. My mind was totally empty and I had no words. When she threatened me, I felt no fear and didn’t think. I let the words flow straight from my heart. When she suddenly became vulnerable, I felt sucker-punched and was at a total loss for words.
This is what I wish that I had said:
Do you know how beautiful you are? Not on the outside, on the inside. Do you know how beautiful your heart is? How loving, giving, pure and kind? I can see you; why can’t you see yourself?
To be loved for who you are, you have to be who you are. When you remember who your true self is, you will be able to recognize the true self in others. When you live as your true self, you will be able to connect with the true self of others. When you love and live as the true you, you will be ready to be loved for your true self.
Dead People Say: Please remember this; you matter. You have value to this world. You deserve to love and be loved.